Health secretary blames COVID-19 for further delays to Edinburgh's Sick Kids hospital

The opening of Edinburgh’s Sick Kids hospital is to be delayed even further because of the coronavirus pandemic, Scotland’s health secretary said.

The hospital was due to open in autumn this year, but Jeane Freeman said this date is now “under review.”

In a statement this morning she said: “I have been informed by NHS Lothian that due to complexities with the remaining work and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this has led to possible changes to the delivery of the programme of works to address the issues of patient safety in clinical care and haemato-oncology.

The new hospital was due to open in autumn this year | JPIMedia

“NHS Lothian is working closely with Integrated Health Solutions Lothian (IHSL) to ensure delivery of the programme as close to the timeframe of a full handover in Autumn 2020, but this timeframe is now under review.

“A refreshed programme is likely to be available during the second half of May and I will of course keep Parliament updated.”

She explained her reasons for halting the move to the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in July last year was to ensure patient safety.

Ms Freeman added: “There continues to be significant positive progress with the clinically agreed move of the Department of Clinical Neurosciences remaining on track with NHS Lothian due to take occupancy this month.”