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22.03.29
6 Deputy K.G. Pamplin of St. Saviour of the Minister for Infrastructure regarding
Clinique Pinel (OQ.49/2022)
Will the Minister explain what has caused the delay in the creation of the new mental health in- patient facility at Clinique Pinel?
Deputy K.C. Lewis of St. Saviour (The Minister for Infrastructure):
There have been several events that have contributed to the delay, in addition to setbacks related to the pandemic and a general shortage of construction labour, exceptionally inclement weather for a start and the need to relocate a J.E.C. (Jersey Electricity Company) main only became apparent once the work had commenced, additional works to remedy legacy issues relating to the existing building and essential upgrade work to address safeguarding issues that were only identified once the existing building was vacated.
- Deputy K.G. Pamplin:
I thank the Minister for his answer. Given the priority of this service and it is also an active ward very close by, can he give a reassurance and a date when this service will be up and running?
Deputy K.C. Lewis :
We are doing our best to progress work. The contractor obviously under contract to us must use their best endeavours to finish the work as soon as possible. But the very latest will be September but, hopefully, they will take on additional staff and bring work forward to complete it much sooner than that.
- Senator S.W. Pallett:
I very much appreciate the Minister’s answer but can the Minister explain what pragmatic oversight his department provides on a day-to-day, week-by-week basis in regards to this contract, to ensure this much-needed facility is completed?
Deputy K.C. Lewis :
The Senator is quite right, this is a much-needed facility and there is operational oversight through Property Holdings, which keep a watching brief on progress.
- Deputy S.W. Pallett:
He needs to answer the question. What day-to-day week-by-week practical oversight is provided by his department and, while I am at that, could I also ask, since the contract was awarded has the contract been amended and, if so, when? Does it include penalty clauses?
The Greffier of the States (in the Chair): That is 4 questions for you there, Minister.
Deputy S.W. Pallett: Answer which way you want.
Deputy K.C. Lewis :
Which one, in which particular order? Yes, as I mentioned, the contract was amended. There were several things that needed to be augmented, shall we say? There were several things regarding client safety - I will not go into details but I am sure the Senator is aware of what I am talking about - that needed to be addressed. The lead nurse attends the monthly site meetings and weekly updates and aware of any revised completion dates. The H.C.S. (Health and Community Services) estate manager receives a copy of the site meeting minutes, so everything is audited.
Deputy S.W. Pallett:
What about penalty clauses, Sir?
The Greffier of the States (in the Chair):
The penalty clause was the fourth question in Senator Pallett’s … Deputy K.C. Lewis :
The penalty clause, yes. There are penalty clauses there but, as I say, the contractors must use their best endeavours to finish as soon as possible. There are clauses in there to make sure that does happen.
- Deputy R.J. Ward :
Given the answer to the previous question, can I ask the Minister what is the current completion date for the facility, please?
Deputy K.C. Lewis :
As previously mentioned, the latest will be September.
Deputy R.J. Ward :
Is that the beginning or end of September? Just some precision would be a nice answer.
Deputy K.C. Lewis :
All I have is September, I do not have anything further than that.
Deputy R.J. Ward :
I will check that is this year.
Deputy K.C. Lewis : That is 2022.
The Greffier of the States (in the Chair): I think we knew that.
- Deputy M.R. Le Hegarat of St. Helier :
When was the last occasion that the Minister visited the site?
Deputy K.C. Lewis :
Personally, I think that was about 8 months ago.
- Deputy K.G. Pamplin:
I thank my colleagues for joining in, especially the chair of the Scrutiny Panel and picking up from that: will the Minister confirm by the end of the day that he will accompany us to a site visit to meet the contractors as soon as possible, preferably by the end of this week or next?
Deputy K.C. Lewis :
End of this week I think the Deputy will be lucky to clear business, but next week more than happy.