Scottish NHS new building projects delayed for two years

The Scottish Government has warned health boards that no more cash is available and all new projects are being paused for up to two years.

Funding will continue to be available to tackle the hospital maintenance backlog.

The Scottish Government now aims to publish a revised healthcare infrastructure programme in the Spring setting out re-prioritised projects.

Soaring construction costs, material shortages and tougher ventilation standards have eaten into building budgets.

It has emerged a programme to build a network of 10 treatment centres across Scotland will be the biggest casualty of the spending clampdown.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The UK Government did not inflation-proof its capital budget which has resulted in nearly a 10% real-term cut in the Scottish Government’s capital funding over the medium-term between 2023-24 and 2027-28.

“The result of this cut is that new health capital projects have currently been paused. Our emphasis for the immediate future will be on addressing backlog maintenance and essential equipment replacement.

“We are investing £314m in 2024/25 in health infrastructure allowing all major projects in construction to be completed – this includes the Baird and Anchor Hospitals in Aberdeen, Parkhead Health Centre and the Golden Jubilee Expansion Phase 2.”