THE outer shell of the new clinical block at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital is on the verge of completion.
A topping-out ceremony took place yesterday and contractor Charles Le Quesne (Guernsey) Ltd and Health minister Peter Roffey both insisted the project was on budget and on time for summer 2009.
The block will provide improved facilities for renal dialysis, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and cardio-respiratory services and new premises for health and social care studies.
On the ground floor will be a new assessment and rehabilitation ward, Le Marchant, which will replace the Alan Grut ward at the King Edward VII Hospital.
On the next level will be two medical wards to replace Brock and Arnold. The new facility will house more than 360 separate rooms and up to 90 beds.
Arnold Ward sister Lynn Thoumine unveiled a plaque at the ceremony and Deputy Roffey thanked all Health and Social Services staff for their hard work.
He said the clinical block was one of three major capital projects that had always been important to the department’s board.
The others were Castel Hospital and the completion of Mignot Memorial Hospital in Alderney.
‘This is one of the most important capital projects to be approved by the States in recent years.
‘It’s a big project and a complicated one and it won’t be finished until late summer 2009.’
He said the improved facilities were vital, particularly in relation to Brock and Arnold wards.
‘The facilities are not suitable for modern nursing any more.’
Charles Le Quesne secured the controversial £27m. contract despite putting in a bid which was £2.4m. above one from R. G. Falla.
The Falla bid was later withdrawn and the matter sparked the ‘Fallagate’ political storm, which led to the resignation of the entire Policy Council.
Charles Le Quesne project manager Alan Rogers said it had been going well and that the recent bad weather had had little impact now that the building was watertight.
‘We are on time and certainly within budget.
‘It’s at the critical stage now where the fabric of the project is nearing completion and it becomes very intensive with the internal finishing.
‘But one thing that is becoming apparent as work goes on is how light and airy the final building will be.’
Article posted on 12th March, 2008 - 2.29pm
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