Delays to £8m hospital project as firm goes under

A project to build an £8m facility at York Hospital has been delayed after the firm contracted to construct it collapsed.

Construction of the hybrid surgical theatre and MRI suite started last August but was halted after Merit Holdings went into administration in November.

York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said the project had been delayed and costs would likely increase as a result.

They added that they were working with administrators to complete the scheme.

The two-storey facility, located near the hospital's south entrance, was planned to enhance access to advanced diagnostic and vascular services.

Formerly leading the build, Merit was working on the project on-site and at their factory in Northumberland to speed up completion with minimal disruption.

However, administrators were appointed to the company, which employed 284 people, due to "cashflow pressures".

All staff were made redundant on 17 November and trade ceased.

A spokesperson for York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Following the contractor entering administration in November, the project has been delayed, and it is likely that costs will increase.

"The trust is working with the administrators and is considering procurement options to complete the scheme.

"We remain committed to delivering a high-quality facility for patients across the region."

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