Children's Hospital: 'Most of the design changes that led to delays were driven by Bam'

Bam and the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board trade barbs — with the NPHDB landing the latest blow in a letter to the Public Accounts Committee

Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman John Brady said the issues raised highlight the 'flaws in the design and build contract approach'. File picture: Brian Lawless/PA

The board overseeing the development of the National Children's Hospital has claimed that most of the design changes and revised drawings have been “driven” by developer Bam.

The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) has pushed back on suggestions from Bam that design changes made by the board have led to delays, as the two sides trade barbs over the project.

In correspondence to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the NPHDB says there has been no “material change” to the design of the hospital since above-ground works commenced in 2019. It wrote: 

The most significant changes have been driven by Bam, with the NPHDB accommodating them to support the project's delivery. 

It cited revised adjustments to the steelwork, concrete frame, and façade of the building.

The NPHDB outlines that there have been approximately 50,000 revised drawings issued by both the board and BAM.

“These revised drawings cannot be simply labelled as ‘design changes’ because the intent and required functionality have not changed. This is an iterative design process and is a normal practice on every project,” it states.

“Since 2019, of the 50k revised drawings, Bam has issued circa 27K drawings and documents, and the NPHDB circa 23K. Over the past 18 months, Bam has issued 1,349 drawings and documents, and the NPHDB has issued 304.”

Bam rejects NPHDB view

However, Bam has outright rejected the NPHDB’s view.

“While the overall form and external appearance of the building have remained largely unchanged, the technical design, safety systems and associated project documentation have continued to evolve throughout the project,” the contractor has said.

“The development of the design remains ongoing, with further directions continuing to be issued.”

The contractor also hit out at the NPHDB, saying it was “misleading” to equate the number of drawings issued by Bam with responsibility for design changes.

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“A significant proportion of the design work undertaken by Bam has involved resolving gaps and incomplete elements within the original client design.”

PAC chair, John Brady, said these issues highlight the “flaws in the design and build contract approach”.

“Continued delays and ongoing alterations only raise further questions about the management and oversight of this project,” Mr Brady said, adding that taxpayers require “certainty, accountability and transparency”.

• Tadgh McNally, Political Reporter