Completion date of hospital projects still unclear

The Anchor Cancer Centre was due to open in 2020

The final costs and completion dates for two delayed hospital projects in Aberdeen are still not known, with significant improvement work set to take place.

It emerged last year that redesign work was needed for the Baird Family Hospital and the Anchor Cancer Centre due to drainage and ventilation issues.

Both sites were due to open in 2020 but have been delayed by a series of setbacks.

Work is now set to be carried out on airflow, ventilation and water systems while a cost issue with the contractor also needs resolved.

A paper to go before NHS Grampian's board on Thursday said the cost issues were "driven mainly by market pressure."

It added engagement with the contractor was ongoing to "quantify the potential impact on programme and cost."

The design changes include the building of partition walls and a corridor to improve ventilation, the removal of a number of sinks and tanks, as well as improvements within operating theatres.

NHS Grampian said it intended to outline timescales and final costs at a meeting in April.

The Anchor Centre will provide services for haematology and oncology patients.

The Baird Family Hospital will offer maternity and breast-screening services, as well as a neonatal unit and operating theatre.