MLAs' dismay over hospital delay

Assembly members say they are "disappointed" a £250m redevelopment of Altnagelvin hospital in Londonderry will not be completed until 2016.

The Stormont public accounts committee said it would be completed more than 20 years after it was approved.

The committee praised the completion of the laboratory and pharmacy centre, which is part of the redevelopment.

It cost £18m and was funded by private finance. The committee said the project was "well managed" by the health trust.

"We were also encouraged to see the Western Trust being vigilant in protecting the interests of the public sector," said committee chair Paul Maskey.

"We realise that managing a major capital programme is highly complex, however we were disappointed to learn that the redevelopment of the Altnagelvin Estate will not be completed until 2015-16, more than 20 years after first approval from the Department.

"The committee also has concerns that due to staff shortages at consultant level only three of the five laboratories at Altnagelvin have full accreditation.

"We believe that the department must do more if it is to achieve full accreditation by its target date of 2010."