£1bn bill to fix our hospitals: Shock cost of repairs and replacing outdated equipment

A new report yesterday revealed that more than 40 per cent of the health service estate needs to be overhauled, with four per cent in a critical condition.

This represents a significant increase on last year’s figures, when 33 per cent of buildings were judged to be in dire need of repair.

In addition, there are “concerns” that vital life-saving equipment is becoming outdated, with almost one in three dialysis machines now more than eight years old.

The backlog maintenance costs are estimated at £797million – down on last year’s figure.

However, they are based on 2010 prices and inflation would see the true total soar to around £932million.

Last night, opposition politicians warned that patient safety is at risk.

Jenny Marra, Scottish Labour’s health spokeswoman, said: “The backlog of maintenance in our hospitals is now running to hundreds of millions of pounds. 

“It’s not just the hospital buildings, it’s the medical equipment that needs maintenance, which is more worrying for patients, staff and our health service.”

The NHS Scotland Assets and Facilities Report, released by the Scottish Government yesterday, revealed just 59 per cent of buildings are in “good physical condition” – down from 67 per cent in 2013.

It said that 37 per cent of properties need improvement, with a further four per cent requiring major investment.

The report highlighted a £797million maintenance backlog, down £61million on the previous year – although both figures were at 2010 prices.

Ten hospitals account for £292million of that figure, with £44million of work required at Inverclyde Royal Hospital in Greenock alone.

Dumfries and Galloway Hospital has a backlog of £37million, Crosshouse in Kilmarnock £36million and Monklands in Airdrie £34million.

The report also highlights concerns over ageing lifesaving equipment, including dialysis machines and defibrillators.

The NHS currently spends around £55million a year on upgrading or replacing its medical equipment.

Explaining that £1.4million was spent on renal dialysis machines in 2013/14, the report added: “This is considered to be a just adequate investment profile but is tempered by concerns that 29 per cent of units are currently over eight years old.”

Of defibrillators, it pointed out that the equipment is expected to have a lifespan of 10 years but pointed out 15 per cent are more than a decade old.

Ms Marra added: “I raised the backlogged bills with the SNP Health Secretary in the Scottish Parliament but she had little response.

The SNP government need to say soon if they have a plan to deal with this.

They cannot allow medical equipment and our hospitals to deteriorate.

That is not safe and just becomes more and more expensive by the year.”

Scottish Conservative health spokesman Jackson Carlaw MSP said: “This is a further example of the need for a long-term plan by an all-party consensus on a way forward for health in Scotland. 

“While we can celebrate the major investment in the new Glasgow Southern, it is concerning if the wider hospital estate does not see an improvement nor any plan for improvement.

“The SNP need to stop campaigning against fantasy privatisations and start delivering a sustainable future for Scotland’s NHS.”

The report is the latest blow for the NHS in Scotland, already reeling from criticism over A&E waiting times, bed blocking figures and waiting lists for child mental health services.

The Scottish Government says it will invest £2.75billion on buildings and equipment over five years.

Health Secretary Shona Robison said: “This Government is committed to improving the quality of the NHS estate and this is why, with health boards, we have a clear plan in place to deliver the investment our health facilities need.”