The NHS trust overseeing the redevelopment of Broadmoor hospital in Berkshire by Kier has expressed concern about the contractor delivering key project miles.
Under the original work programme, the first and main phase of the work was due to complete in 2017, with patients moving into the new facilities. Further phases of works were to be delivered during 2018 and 2019.
However, according to minutes from a board meeting of the West London Mental Health Trust, completion of the first phase was “16 months later than originally planned”, while the cost of construction has swelled to £249m.
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The report said the budget increases have been as a result of longer engagement of staff and consultants, the provision of NEC3 expert advice and legal advice, and compensation event (CE) submissions from Kier.
The contractor started on site in 2014 to undertake works to comprehensively redevelop the psychiatric facility, which dates back to the Victorian era.
Work has involved transferring nearly all of the hospital’s operations into new clinical facilities.
However, the meeting minutes warned: “Incomplete assurance was provided to the trust board in respect of time (delay in the programme), cost (number and size of compensation events), and quality (number and nature of defects).”
It said that “405 defects had been reported to date; 325 defects had been signed off; 80 remained ‘live’. 31 defects had been closed within the reporting period.”
The trust added: “In the light of continuing delays to elements of Kier’s programme, the programme board remains concerned about the ability of Kier to deliver projected milestones.”
Kier has been contacted for comment.
