NHS maintenance backlog hits £4bn - Burstow

12.01.00am GMT Mon 5th Jan 2009

It will cost £4bn to bring NHS buildings to an operationally safe level, Government figures obtained by the Liberal Democrats have revealed.

The costs, which have increased by 40% under Labour, were uncovered by Liberal Democrat MP, Paul Burstow in a Parliamentary Question.

Commenting, Paul Burstow said:

"These figures lift the lid on Labour's failed stewardship of the NHS.

"Over the last eleven years huge sums have been poured into new prestige projects while existing NHS buildings have been allowed to fall into disrepair.

"Hard-pressed NHS staff are working in poorly maintained hospital buildings because ministers are more interested in cutting ribbons. Small scale projects and investment in existing NHS property needs to be given a higher priority."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3388045.stm

http://www.hsj.co.uk/news/2009/01/nhs_buildings_face_404bn_maintenance_backlog.html

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. A link to the Parliamentary Question is below:

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm081210/text/81210w0014.htm#08121043000044

2. NHS buildings that meet Estate Code Condition B are sound, operationally safe and exhibit only minor deterioration.

2. Tables revealing the annual national total backlog, and a breakdown by Health Authority are attached.