The opening of Belfast’s new maternity hospital could be delayed by another 28 months.
Mike Nesbitt told the assembly he couldn’t “soften the news” and has asked for an external expert to review if the decision taken is the best one and if parts of the hospital could be opened in the meantime.
The minister also said that he is “far from finished” on the matter and he also needs to better understand why some experts have disagreed with the option taken by the health trust.
During last Thursday’s health committee, it emerged that the health trust faced three options to try and fix the water system.
The new maternity hospital based in the grounds of the Royal Victoria Hospital is already 10 years behind schedule and has cost £97m pounds.
At present management has chosen the second option which they said was the “safest” way to proceed as vulnerable babies would be protected.
