The new Critical Care Unit at Guernsey's Princess Elizabeth Hospital won't be ready until early next year.

It was scheduled to open in this autumn, but health bosses say they want to get it right, rather than "rush to meet a self imposed deadline."

The team behind the project says it has taken 'longer than anticipated' to complete the final elements of the building work.

We're told the extra time will ensure that the unit is fully prepared to welcome patients.

Completion of Phase 1 of the Hospital Modernisation Project will be followed by staff training and essential specialist work such as clinical cleaning and testing of equipment.

Inside the new CCU

Health & Social Care President Deputy Al Brouard says rushing to complete the construction on time could pose a risk to Guernsey's most vulnerable patients:

"The new Critical Care is an essential part of the modernisation of our hospital. While any delay is difficult, it is in the best interests of patients and the community as a whole for us to ensure we get it right rather than rush to meet a self-imposed deadline.

"The work that has been done already clearly shows how significant of an upgrade the completion of Phase 1 will be, giving our staff modern facilities to care for our patients.

"We are already reaping rewards in other ways too; for example, in staff recruitment and retention, as we have attracted the necessary staff to open this unit in early 2025 on completion."

Gavin Rihoy, the chair of builders Rihoy and Son, says it is a complex build:

"Delivering it in and around a working hospital has been a huge challenge. This facility is something the island should be proud of. We look forward to handing over the keys to HSC to allow them to begin their final preparatory works.”

The unit will open with a capacity of eight beds which could later be increased to 12. 

It will also deliver a new Post Anaesthetic Care Unit with 10 beds.