Project Delays Announced for Aberdeen Hospital and Cancer Centre
The Baird Family Hospital and Anchor Cancer Centre in Aberdeen, initially planned to open in 2020, have encountered further delays in their completion timelines.
Originally, the project was estimated to cost up to £134 million; however, this figure has since escalated to £438.6 million.
The most recent schedule indicated that the Anchor Centre would open in July of this year, with the Baird Family Hospital expected to begin admitting patients in June of the following year.
However, NHS Grampian has revised these dates, postponing the Anchor Centre's opening to December and the Baird Family Hospital's to September next year, while acknowledging the possibility of additional delays.
Project approval was granted over a decade ago, but construction at the Foresterhill campus in Aberdeen did not commence until 2021.
During the building process, several challenges have arisen, including complications with water and ventilation systems as well as design-related issues.
In March, BBC Scotland News reported that wall panels and insulation materials had to be removed due to mould growth.
Infection control teams raised concerns after construction materials were exposed to moisture.
The Baird Family Hospital is designed to provide maternity and breast-screening services, alongside a neonatal unit and an operating theatre.
The Anchor Centre will consolidate services such as radiotherapy, oncology, haematology, and research under one roof.
A report authored by project director Ian Matthewson is scheduled for presentation to the NHS Grampian Board on Thursday.
The report highlights the "significant complexity and challenge" the project has faced.
"The delay in opening to the Anchor is largely as a result of a project board decision in March to add a secondary sterilization unit to strengthen and protect the water system."
The report further states:
"The project is currently at a critical stage, with delivery dependent on resolving technical, assurance and commercial matters.
The project remains important to improving patient care, experience and safety."
The revised opening date for the Anchor Centre in December carries a risk of extending into the first quarter of 2027.
"There is ongoing risk to further delay for both facilities."
