The total cost of the NRAH project has now blown out by $405 million more than the $1.7 billion promised by the Labor Government at the last election.
Evidence to the Budget and Finance Committee on Monday indicated that the Weatherill Labor Government was now considering spending another $5-10 million on an air tube transportation link for pathology samples from the NRAH to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital to SA Pathology at Frome Road.
“This $5-10 million is unbudgeted and has to be spent because all the pathology work can’t be undertaken at the NRAH site,” said Shadow Health Minister Rob Lucas.
“This proposed air tube transportation link would be underground and allow blood, urine and faeces samples to be quickly transported in a vacuum from one site to another.
“SA Health executives confirmed two public servants had already been sent to Minneapolis to investigate a similar system.”
This further blowout means total NRAH related costs are:
Design and construction contract $1,850 million
State-related works $245 million
Air tube transportation up to $10 million
Total
$2,105 million
“This total of $2,105 million is now $405 million more than the Government’s promise of a total cost of $1,700 million,” said Mr Lucas.
“It is because of massive blowouts like this one and the $40 million blowout on the Oracle IT project that Mr Weatherill and Mr Snelling have been forced to cut 200 nursing jobs and other front line health services.
“Mr Weatherill and Mr Snelling stand condemned for their massive financial mismanagement, which has led to the disastrous budget position now confronting health.”
