ui-logoThe new children’s hospital at the University of Iowa was supposed to open over the weekend, but it didn’t and likely won’t for six to eight more weeks.

U-I spokesman Tom Moore says construction delays have caused concerns about the safety of patients and staff.

Moore says, “The contractor informed us it would not be able to meet all of the construction deadlines, which would have an impact on training for staff and the integration of medical devices.” The Stead  Family Children’s Hospital was scheduled to open on Saturday.

“Primarily, we wanted to make sure the opening would be both safe and comfortable for patients and families,” Moore says. “Out of an abundance of caution, we decided to delay the opening.” Moore expects the hospital will be ready to treat patients by the end of January or early February.

When complete, the $360 million facility will be the tallest building in Iowa City at 14-stories.

(Thanks to Rob Dillard at Iowa Public Radio)