The health board announced its intention to take forward legal action against the contractor last month amid a raft of problems at the facility including sewage leaks in operating theatres.

It said several problems have compromised the hospital’s “operational effectiveness” since it opened in 2015, and this had “impacted on the seamless delivery of safe and effective healthcare”.

NHSGGC is being overseen by the Scottish Government following concerns over infection control and management at the £842m campus, which includes the Royal Hospital for Children.

The health authority said its current estimate for the damage and losses incurred is around £73m, although this figure may change.

A spokesman for NHSGGC said: “Since its opening, a number of issues have arisen around the operational effectiveness of the hospital which have impacted on the seamless delivery of safe and effective healthcare. We have taken action to address a number of the issues and are in the process of remedying others.”

A spokesman for Brookfield Multiplex said: “Multiplex is extremely disappointed that some five years after the completion of the Queen Elizabeth, which was delivered on time, on budget and fully certified, the health board has now decided to issue legal proceedings. We are reviewing the terms of the claim and will provide a response in due course. Multiplex is treating the matters raised with utmost seriousness and will continue to work with the health board.”