Almost £5 million of taxpayers' money has been invested into plans for a National Treatment Centre for Ayrshire, despite the project's future remaining uncertain. A Freedom of Information (FOI) request, secured by the Scottish Conservative and Unionist party, revealed that the total expenditure on Carrick Glen Hospital since 2021/22 amounts to £4,982,104.07. This significant sum has been spent while the medical site on Dalmellington Road remains incomplete, with the Scottish Government still deliberating its fate.

The FOI details that outline and full business case fees alone account for over £2.8 million, which is more than the original cost to purchase the hospital. Furthermore, more than £66,000 has been allocated for security at the site, and the energy and utilities bill has cost taxpayers over £107,000. These multi-million pound costs have been met with widespread dismay from local politicians and public interest groups.

The plan to establish a National Treatment Centre at Carrick Glen began in April 2022 when £1.8 million of public funds were used to acquire the hospital from the private sector. This acquisition was part of a broader Scottish Government initiative to build approximately 10 National Treatment Centres across the country, aiming to significantly reduce patient waiting times. Carrick Glen was specifically earmarked for repurposing into a specialist orthopaedics centre to address local waiting lists.

The proposed two-floor project, which successfully cleared all planning hurdles in the summer of 2023, was designed to incorporate approximately 4150 square meters of accommodation. This included a Peri Operative department with pre- and post-surgery rooms, two theatres with supporting facilities, around 11 inpatient bedrooms featuring accessible ensuite facilities, an In-Patients department, and Staff Accommodation. The plans also detailed landscaped areas designed for minimal maintenance, a courtyard for patients and staff, and accessible parking, with proposals developed to be