A new director has been appointed to oversee work on the delayed children’s hospital in Edinburgh.

Mary Morgan is taking up her post today tasked with delivering the relocation of services to the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP).

The move from the current site in Sciennes was called off in July after final safety checks revealed a ventilation system did not meet national standards.

Health secretary Jeane Freeman since announced it is not expected to open until at least autumn 2020, with the costs of remedial works and keeping the old site running expected to run to £23m.

Ms Morgan, who is currently director of strategy, performance and service transformation at NHS National Services Scotland, will report directly to the Scottish Government.

As senior programme director, she will oversee remedial works at the RHCYP and the department of clinical neurosciences at the site at Little France.

Ms Freeman said she would bring “extensive expertise and knowledge” to the role.

She added: “Mary will work closely with both the Scottish Government and senior management at NHS Lothian and will oversee the safe delivery of the new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People and Department of Clinical Neurosciences.

“Our overriding priority is that the children and families who depend on these hospital services can receive them in the safest way possible. The current situation is not one anyone would choose – but it is one I am determined to resolve.”

Ms Morgan said she recognised the importance and challenge of the task ahead.

She added: “I am looking forward to working with colleagues in NHS Lothian in order to ensure that the new site for the RHCYP and the department of clinical neurosciences is fully compliant and safe, ensuring the successful completion and move of services to the new premises.”