The construction of the new National Children’s Hospital has turned into a crisis, with the project facing possible delays and ballooning costs. The clash between the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) and builders BAM has led to uncertainties about the hospital’s completion and final cost, expected to exceed €2.5 billion from an initial estimate of €650 million.
Despite being 94% complete, the hospital’s opening date remains unknown due to ongoing legal battles over extra costs. The NPHDB accuses BAM of inadequate resourcing and mismanagement, while BAM argues that the delays stem from design errors and changes initiated by the NPHDB.
Separately, a KPMG report raised concerns about the hospital’s operational readiness and the integration of existing children’s hospitals. The project’s challenges serve as a cautionary tale for future public construction endeavors, highlighting the need for better oversight and financial planning.
Once completed, the new hospital is poised to be a world-class facility for children, but the road to completion has been marred by inefficiencies and disputes that must be resolved for the sake of the patients it aims to serve.