Aberdeen’s much-anticipated Baird Family Hospital and Anchor Cancer Centre projects, collectively known as the Baird and Anchor facilities, are facing renewed delays and escalating costs, prompting the introduction of external inspectors to scrutinise ongoing work. Originally slated for completion in 2020, the combined cost of the developments has surged from an initial estimate of approximately £134 million to £438.6 million.
The projects, located on the Foresterhill Health Campus, have been plagued by multiple setbacks since construction began in 2021, despite planning approval being granted over a decade ago. Key challenges have included contamination risks within the water supply, issues related to mould and ventilation systems, and significant design revisions. Recent Scottish Government documents highlighted “several changes to the new hospital, resulting from a design review,” which have directly impacted both the completion timeline and budget.
The Anchor Centre, designed to provide comprehensive oncology and haematology services, was initially expected to open in July 2026. This date has now been deferred to December 2026, with a potential for further delays into the first quarter of 2027. This latest postponement stems from a decision in March to incorporate a secondary sterilisation unit into the water system, aiming to “strengthen and protect the water system.”
Similarly, the opening of the Baird Family Hospital, which will house maternity, neonatal, reproductive medicine, breast, and gynaecology services, has been postponed from June 2027 to September 2027. Delays for the Baird facility are primarily attributed to outstanding work on domestic water system design and commissioning, as well as unresolved issues concerning electrical and ventilation systems.
In response to the persistent complexities, NHS Grampian has engaged an independent external team to oversee the project. Documents prepared for the NHS Grampian Board meeting on Thursday, 11 June 2026, acknowledge that while work is “progressing well,” several critical technical and commercial issues remain unresolved.
The papers state: “Commercial discussions with the main contractor are ongoing and are progressing well. However, some key issues remain unresolved, including technical matters that may impact on the programme. Recognising the complexity and critical stage of the project, additional independent external scrutiny is being introduced to further strengthen assurance on delivery, risk and safety.”
In Case You Missed it:
Aberdeen hospital project costs soar to £438.6m amid further delays
Aberdeen Hospital Project costs treble to £423.6 Million amid extensive delays
Costs for Aberdeen’s delayed cancer centre and maternity hospital expected to top £420 million
North Sea policy under scrutiny in new report, amid warnings of rising emissions
Jug Johal, Interim Director of Infrastructure for NHS Grampian, addressed the challenges, telling The Press and Journal on Tuesday that it is “quite normal” to encounter such technical issues on projects of this scale. He apologised to both staff and patients for the protracted delays.
Mr Johal also acknowledged the “always a risk” of additional delays and cost increases. However, he expressed optimism that the project would be delivered within the current £438 million budget, stating:
“If we experience further technical issues in the future, there’s a potential risk to that funding, but currently we are looking to deliver the project within the £438m. We’re absolutely focused on getting these buildings handed over as soon as possible so that we can offer high-quality patient environments for decades to come.”
