A new BBC TV series is to deliver an exclusive insight into the impact of Carillion's collapse on hospital patients in Liverpool.

The first episode of 'Hospital' will air on Thursday 10 January at 9pm on BBC Two and will focus on the Royal Liverpool hospital, which was hit with flooding and major infrastructure problems.

The project to build a new £325 million Royal Hospital stalled last year following the collapse of PFI contractor Carillion and is scheduled to commence again in November. It will not be operational until 2020, three years late.


Laing O'Rourke has been appointed to complete the construction work.

Speaking on the new documentary series, construction union Unite's regional secretary for the North West, Ritchie James said: "Hospital is exposing the human misery directly caused by repeated government failures.

"The government allowed Carillion's appointment, failed to monitor the project and when Carillion collapsed, they failed to ensure that there was no delay in completing the work.

"As a result of the government being asleep at the wheel, patients are facing being treated for over three years in a hospital that is no longer capable of meeting their needs.

"Our members working at the Royal are being forced to work in impossible conditions and are still somehow providing exemplary care to patients."

(CM/MH)