Berwick hospital ‘unravelling’ as façade and internal fittings set to be ripped out

It was designed to bring healthcare in Berwick into the 21st-century.

But the half-built hospital in the heart of the historic town has lain largely untouched since the previous contractor, Merit, collapsed into administration.

Now, a major overhaul of the long-delayed project is due to get underway, following a review by Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and its new contractor, Robertson Construction.

The hospital’s façade and steel frame system are to be removed and replaced, alongside internal walls, fittings, pipework and mechanical and electrical systems.

The remedial work begins on Monday, with health chiefs warning of increased disruption in the months ahead.

It's intended to pave the way for the next phase of construction to resume in the spring.

However, there’s no indication yet of how much extra this will cost the taxpayer, with the new target for completing the hospital - last estimated at over £35 million - set for summer 2028.

Damon Kent, Northumbria Healthcare Facilities Management’s managing director, said: “We know that everyone is frustrated with the position we are in. We are also very disappointed and want to assure everyone that we are doing everything we can to progress our new hospital as quickly as we can.

“It has been a difficult period as there are complexities around a new contractor taking over the incomplete work of another company.

"Although it has been quiet on site, a huge amount of work has been carried out behind the scenes over the last few months, and we are very pleased to be working with Robertson Construction.

“Our key priority must always be to ensure that our new Berwick hospital meets all the required standards, and we want it to be the best it can for our patients, staff and future generations.”

This week's announcement has prompted fresh criticism of the project.

Local councillor Georgina Hill, who chairs Northumberland County Council’s Health and Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committee, told Greatest Hits Radio: “This news is no surprise, it's been predicted; but it is, nonetheless, still incredibly shocking and depressing."

Berwick’s new hospital was originally due to be completed in spring 2022.

However, archaeological work and other delays pushed the project back. When construction got underway in May 2023, the trust said the hospital was expected to open towards the end of 2024.

Councillor Hill - who said we are now seeing the "unravelling" of the project - pointed out her committee had been the first to call for a public inquiry into what had gone wrong.

“What has happened? How are we in the situation? How was the regional contractor appointed in the first place? Who was doing the quality checking, etc., etc.?”

The Berwick East councillor said the trust had confirmed there is ongoing legal action relating to the original contractor, but that it could not provide further details at this stage.

“They can't and won't say any more at this stage. But all this is, of course, with the public interest." And she added: "With the spotlight firmly on it, this will be subject to further scrutiny."

North Northumberland Labour MP David Smith said it was “very disappointing” that the hospital project was now several years behind schedule.

He acknowledged that the collapse of the previous contractor had been outside the trust’s control, but said there could be no further delays.

“It's absolutely imperative that there are no further delays, that the hospital is up and running at the very latest by the 2028 new deadline because the people of Berwick desperately need and deserve their new hospital,” he said.

A public drop-in information session, giving locals an update on the development, is due to take place at Berwick Town Hall on Wednesday, December 9th, with further details to be confirmed closer to the time.

Mr Kent said: “We thank everyone who is involved in progressing our new hospital and special thanks go to our colleagues working in the existing infirmary. They have shown steadfast resilience and continue to provide excellent patient care.”

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