The total investment for two new hospitals in Aberdeen has surged to an estimated £423.6 million, more than tripling their original projected cost. The Baird Family Hospital and the Anchor Cancer Centre, initially slated for completion in 2020, have also faced significant construction delays, pushing their opening back by over six years.
Originally, the projects were estimated to cost up to £134 million. However, new figures published in Scottish Government infrastructure delivery documents now place the total expenditure at £423.6 million. Construction on the facilities, which was initially delayed, only commenced in 2021.
The Anchor Centre, designated for cancer and blood disorder treatment, is now expected to open in late 2026. The Baird Family Hospital, which will provide maternity services, breast screening, a neonatal unit, and an operating theatre, is anticipated to be operational in 2027.
The protracted timeline and escalating costs have attracted sharp criticism. The Scottish Conservatives have labelled the delays and cost overruns as “inexcusable”. North-east MSP Liam Kerr commented: “It’s astonishing that costs have been allowed to spiral so far out of control on a project of such importance. These inexcusable costs and delays lie squarely at the door of both NHS Grampian and the Scottish Government, who have allowed a development of this magnitude to slip through the net.”
The construction has encountered a series of setbacks. These include interruptions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, challenges with water and ventilation systems, and broader design concerns. Issues related to “infection prevention and control” and a comprehensive design review, partly influenced by delays at the Edinburgh children’s hospital, have also been cited as contributing factors to the extended schedule and increased budget.
Responding to the situation, the Scottish Government stated that NHS Grampian is implementing “several changes to the new hospital, resulting from a design review” which have impacted both the completion date and overall cost.
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The government also indicated that these modifications are “subject to a commercial negotiation with the contractor and it would undermine NHS Grampian’s position if the final expected cost was released at this point.”
They concluded by stating, “We will continue to support NHS Grampian as they work through this process.”
NHS Grampian is scheduled to provide an update on the projects’ timescales and costs to its board on 19 February.
