Douglas Lumsden MSP has written to health bosses amid fears NHS Grampian’s decision to relocate a proposed new cancer unit in Aberdeen to a ward containing asbestos could cost a charity as much as £600,000.
The planned £2.5 million Ucan SURE (swift urological response and evaluation) unit, aimed at improving diagnosis times for people with symptoms of urological cancers, was due to open at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary’s Ward 211.
However, four years after the plans were put in place, NHS Grampian revealed it would be located in another part of the hospital called the Yellow Zone, resulting in a 13-month delay.
Ucan, which joined forces with Friends of Anchor, reached its fundraising goal of £2.5m in October, with the aim to have the unit running by May 2025.
But as well as delaying the opening to May 2026, it has now been confirmed this change could cost the charity an extra £600,000 due to the presence of asbestos and ventilation issues in the Phase 1 building.
In addition, before work starts, the charity predicts that relocating the unit will incur an additional cost of £75,000 for NHS Grampian.
After a meeting with Ucan chief executive Kenny Anderson, North East MSP Douglas Lumsden has written to NHS Grampian board chair Alison Evison demanding answers on the decision and its financial implications.
In his letter, he said: “It is deeply concerning that Ucan appears to have been led to believe for nearly four years that the unit would be housed in Ward 211.
“I understand that relocating the unit will incur additional costs estimated at £75,000 for new design work and project management. This comes at a time when NHS resources are already stretched thin.
“Ucan has highlighted legitimate concerns about the suitability of the Phase 1 building, including the presence of asbestos and ventilation issues.
“I would welcome clarification on how these issues will be mitigated without further extending the already lengthy timeline.
“Perhaps most concerning is the human cost of this delay. The SURE Unit would reduce diagnosis time for urological cancers from approximately 12 weeks to as little as two days.
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“This delay means patients across the North East will continue to face extended waits, prolonged anxiety and potentially poorer outcomes due to delayed interventions.”
In a letter given to Mr Lumsden by Ucan, the charity has stated to NHS Grampian: “The cost of a new design team and project manager we estimate will be in excess of £75,000, a cost which will be borne by the health board.
“On costs for building work and associated services, we can confirm that Ucan’s contribution to the Yellow Zone option will be limited to £600,000, and all additional costs will be met in full by NHS Grampian.”
