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HSC is suggesting it splits its plans for future proofing Guernsey's hospital by committing to just 80% of the necessary work now - if the remaining 20% can go ahead at a future date.
The Committee for Health and Social Care has long argued that Phase 2 of the Hospital Modernisation Project is necessary to ensure the Princess Elizabeth Hospital can meet future needs.
However, after all capital projects were reviewed - and deemed essential meaning they have to go ahead - it's been confirmed that the hospital work, and planned work to upgrade Alderney's airport and runway, are dealt with separately.
Policy and Resources Green Paper on capital projects outlines the committee's plans for the portfolio of essential infrastructure projects that have already been agreed by this States.
HSC had already discussed the risk of defunding phase two of work at the PEH and said its plan should ensure the entire project can go ahead, albeit in two stages.
HSC says it "believes if changes are made it can deliver 80% of the benefits of Phase 2, Our Hospital Modernisation, at a cost that is more in line with the amount already agreed by the States Assembly".
The committee would then proceed with the remaining 20% of work in phase two "at a later date when funding is available".
Phase 2A (80% of the originally costed work) would focus predominantly on the new build construction needed which includes increasing surgical capacity at the PEH while Phase 2B (the remaining 20%) would deal with the refurbishment of areas such as the Emergency Department, Orthopaedics, and overnight accommodation.
“The Committee is resolute of the need to press ahead with this investment, which remains essential if we are to have any chance of meeting the long-term care needs of our community," said Deputy Al Brouard, President of HSC.
"Phase 2 remains fundamental to providing resilience for the range of health and social care services that will be needed for our ageing population and with demands ever-increasing."
Pictured: Deputy Al Brouard in the new critical care unit which was delivered through Part 1 of the hospital modernisation work.
The HSC President said his committee will finalise its proposal over the coming months before asking the States to agree with splitting the work - and spreading out the costs.
“The Committee remains unwavering in its commitment to deliver the benefits of Phase 2 in a fiscally prudent way, providing value for money for taxpayers and will keep States Members and the wider community updated," he said.
"We are advised that can be completed at a cost that is more in line with the cost envelope agreed by the Assembly, once inflation is factored in considering the longer timeframe for delivery. This process will be ongoing during 2025 when the figures will become clearer as work progresses to the business case.”
P&R has said it is agreeable to this proposal but acknowledged that the backing of the wider States is still necessary.
"The Committee for Health & Social Care is proposing a change in scope to the OHM programme which will split Phase 2 into a further two phases and bring the immediate funding requirements more in line with the previously agreed amount (being some £10m above the original allocation).
"It should be noted that this decision will need to be approved by the States and a policy letter is planned for early in the next political term, but the Policy & Resources Committee has assumed that this planned approach will be accepted which secures its affordability."
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