THE redevelopment of Alderney’s Mignot Memorial Hospital is likely to cost more than £3m. If, as anticipated, the cost goes above this previously budgeted figure, the Health Department would go to the States early next year to ask for more money.

Health minister Peter Roffey said if that had to happen he hoped he would receive members’ support for the project, which was vital for the health service in Alderney.

‘The current facilities at the hospital, particularly for older people in the Aurigny Wing, are wholly unsatisfactory and need urgent replacement,’ Deputy Roffey told the States yesterday.

He said he was disappointed with the delay but that it was vital to ensure value for money for Bailiwick taxpayers.

Deputy Roffey admitted that the Spring 2007 completion date was later than planned but said the delay had been brought about primarily by a reassessment of the method of procurement and construction.

Earlier advice that costs could be contained at less than £3m. at 2003 prices by using a high level of off-site construction had proved wrong, he told the States.

But he said that the design team was now in a position to go ahead with detailed plans, which were due to be completed by the end of November.

Accurate costs would then be provided and the appropriate approvals sought from the Treasury and Resources Department before going to tender, said Deputy Roffey.

Following receipt of tenders, a report on costs would be produced by quantity surveyors which would be considered by the Treasury.

‘Older people with disabilities are very badly served in the hospital in little rooms and have not got their own facilities and there is very little space for the nurses to work around the beds,’ said Alderney representative Richard Cox.

‘The radiography department at the moment is in the corridor and needs to have its own room and there needs to be a separate accident and emergency room and the new plans will create both of these,’ he said.

Mr Cox said he hoped the department would get on with the job as quickly as it could but accepted there was clearly a design problem.

‘I think the people of Alderney will be pleased to have the question answered because we now know where we are,’ he said.

He was delighted, though, to have been given assurances by Deputy Roffey that the department would keep Alderney updated through him.