£9m repairs delay ‘puts care at risk’

MORE than £9 million of repair backlogs at hospitals across the region could be putting patient and staff safety at risk, it has been claimed.

According to the Department of Health, there is an £5.17 million outstanding maintenance bill at Pennine Acute Hospitals Trust, which runs the Royal Oldham Hospital, and hospitals in Bury, North Manchester and Rochdale. The total includes £2.59 million of repairs deemed urgently needed to prevent catastrophic failure, major disruption to clinical services, or deficiencies that pose a threat of serious injury or prosecution across the trust.

A further £1.8 million includes work that if not done as soon as possible may pose a risk of injury or prosecution.

According to the Government data there was also £427,200 of work needed of moderate urgency and £321,000 was needed for less urgent repairs.

NHS Oldham had a backlog of £1.59 million with £990,500 classed as moderate risk and £600,500 at low risk. No high or significant risk maintenance was outstanding.

Steve Sutcliffe, director of finance for NHS Oldham said: “The health and safety of patients and staff is a priority.

“Where urgent repairs are needed, these are carried out as soon as possible. Our properties are being gradually replaced with modern new healthcare premises as part of our LIFT programme.

“We are also refurbishing health centres and other premises as part of this programme. As a result there are less problems so we are able to focus on moderate and low risk repairs.”

Pennine Care, which runs mental health services across the area has £2.3 million outstanding but no urgent repairs.

A spokesman for the Department of Health said: “In many cases, reduction of backlog doesn’t make financial sense because the buildings are due to be demolished.”

But the Tories claim ministers are ignoring spiralling repair bills and putting patients and NHS staff at risk.