The super-hospital at the Smethwick site was due for completion in October 2018 before original contractor Carillion collapsed.

Balfour Beatty was drafted-in to finish the job in 2019 with hopes of getting it completed by the end of this year.

But Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust has now confirmed the new hospital will not open until the Spring of 2024.

The trust said the building programme has been hit by the pandemic and its impact on the supply chain, workforce and materials.

Designs have also been revised to accommodate a new external façade in light of new fire safety regulations alongside the redesign of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.

Mark Bullock, Chief Executive Officer of Balfour Beatty’s UK Construction Services business, said: “We remain steadfast in our commitment to successfully completing this landmark project.

“Over the coming months, we will continue to work closely and collaboratively with Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust and the new hospital programme team, to deliver this long-awaited healthcare facility; one that will provide significant benefits for the local community for many generations to come.”

Trust Chairman, Sir David Nicholson, said: “I am delighted that we have reached this stage in the development and are able to confirm with confidence that we will open as soon as possible following completed construction of the building, which will be handed over to the Trust before the end of 2023.

“Balfour Beatty and the Trust teams have together been determined to progress the building work over the past two years and it is excellent to see just how many of the departments and clinical areas are nearing completion, to a very high standard.

“We are grateful to the new hospital programme team for their support in ensuring we have the resources and expert advice to complete this new hospital, that will serve the Sandwell and West Birmingham populations for at least 50 years.”