Baird and Anchor hospital projects under scrutiny
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NHS Grampian has said it “remains committed” to ensuring its Baird and Anchor hospitals meet demands of patients across the region despite delays.
An update on the new Baird Family Hospital and the Anchor Centre currently under construction in Aberdeen was given at a health board meeting on Thursday.
Chief executive Professor Caroline Hiscox revealed that the flagship hospitals’ project team are working through action plans raised at a NHS Grampian board meeting in April.
As part of this, work to address ventilation issues and water system issues is ongoing and continues to be under investigation.
The matter means changes could be afoot at the Foresterhill site.
Parts of the new buildings may need to be torn out and replaced in a bid to fix the problems.
If design changes and extra work is needed, it is expected to increase the overall project cost and see a change to the existing completion dates.
Both hospitals were due to welcome patients in 2020.
But the Anchor Centre now is now expected to open in October, while the Baird Family Hospital could be delayed until September next year.
Meanwhile the project cost has soared to £261 million.
However the Scottish Government has said it will step in and pay an additional £16m for the project and cover extra costs that may occur if any redesign is needed.
A more detailed progress report on both projects will go before the board in August.
Chairwoman of the NHS Grampian board, Alison Evison, said construction of both facilities continues to be “closely followed” by members.
She was also “pleased” to hear that the Baird and Anchor project team and infection prevention and control colleagues are continuing to work to address the ventilation and water system issues.
Ms Evison added: “NHS Grampian is extremely proud of these landmark projects, and remains committed to ensuring these complex modern facilities meet the needs of the population we serve when they begin receiving patients.”
She also revealed that site visits for elected officials are currently ongoing to allow the NHS to “showcase” the work that has been achieved so far.
A financial update report was also presented to the board.
It revealed that £108.8 million had been invested in new buildings, equipment and IT systems across NHS Grampian in the last financial year.
Assistant director of finance, Alan Sharp, told members the sum was believed to be a record total for the region.
But he admitted that a “large proportion” of the cash was spent on the Baird and Anchor project.
Meanwhile, Ms Evison also welcomed the launch of Aberdeen’s new One BioHub.
The £40 million drug research and development facility opened at the Foresterhill Campus on Monday.
She said: “The new facility incorporates incubator laboratories and offices that bring scientists, innovators and investors together to turn research into businesses capable of tackling modern health challenges.
“I’m sure this welcome addition to our campus will become a focal point for life sciences nationally and internationally.”
