OPPOSITION politicians have questioned a decision to appoint a firm to manage the shut-down of Glasgow’s emergency Covid hospital at a cost of more than £400,000.

American multi-national engineering firm Aecom, which has a Glasgow base, has been awarded the contract to decommission the £43million NHS Louisa Jordan, which was set up at the SEC but has not been required so far.

The Scottish Government said the firm was appointed to manage the closure of the facility ‘when the time is right’ and said the lease of the facility has been extended until April to provide beds for Covid cases if required as well as outpatient appointments.

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The Scottish Conservatives said it was “astonishing” that the contract had already been awarded while Labour questioned the £429,877, cost of the project.

Documents show the contract was awarded on September 22 and two bids were received.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “NHS Louisa Jordan is currently committed to supporting NHS remobilisation, patient care, and education.

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"We have extended the lease at the SEC until the end of April 2021 to ensure we can cope with any increase in cases and continue to deliver non-COVID healthcare.

"“This forward planning means that as we manage the virus’ spread, we can decommission the Louisa Jordan when we feel the time is right.

“If the hospital is required beyond April 2021 then we would seek to agree a further extension.”