Hospital delays extended again following design concerns
The Anchor Centre and Baird Family Hospital were set to open in 2020
Last updated 4th Aug 2023
The opening dates for two new hospitals in Aberdeen have been pulled, after already being delayed for four years.
The Baird Family Hospital and the Anchor Centre were originally due to open in 2020 however, were postponed due to concerns with the building's ventilation systems.
NHS Grampian has released board papers ahead of its meeting on the topic this Thursday, stating that they are in no position to give revised opening dates.
Shadow public health minister and Scottish Conservative MSP Tess White said: “It’s deeply concerning the opening dates have been pulled for both the Baird and Anchor hospitals due to design issues with the buildings."
The Anchor Centre was due to open in October of this year, and the Baird Hospital in September 2024.
The most recent delays are due to the revisiting of building designs, including water and ventilation systems.
Tess added: “The Scottish Government needs to support NHS Grampian while the reasons and solutions behind this disruption are in their sights.
“Years late and almost £100 million over budget, this vital development can’t be allowed to falter further."
In response, a Scottish Government spokesperson said:
“We remain fully committed to the delivery of this project and we are working closely with NHS Grampian and NHS Scotland Assure to ensure that the new facilities reflect the most up to date learning on infection, prevention and control and these changes are being applied to the project.
“The impact of these changes on the timeline are still being worked through and NHS Grampian will provide an update on completion dates when that process is complete.”
The Baird Family Hospital will provide maternity and neonatal care alongside breast and gynecology services, and the Anchor Centre will offer a variety of services to cancer patients.