Baird Family Hospital and ANCHOR Centre
Published: 09/03/2023 09:48NHS Grampian's Board will receive an update on the Baird Family Hospital and ANCHOR Centre at its April meeting, which will include details on the anticipated level of delay to both buildings’ completion.
Paul Allen, NHS Grampian’s Director of Infrastructure and Sustainability said: “The Baird Family Hospital and ANCHOR Centre are the biggest capital construction projects we have ever undertaken. Our project team's focus is to ensure that these state-of-the-art buildings are able to support the highest standards of care from the point of opening.
“Regrettably, several factors including market conditions, updated assurance processes and client changes have impacted the construction of both facilities, to the point that their completion and opening will now be delayed.
“Construction of both buildings continues to make good progress, and we are working closely with NHS Scotland Assure and our partners to ensure these complex, modern facilities will meet the needs of the population we serve, when they open their doors to patients.”
"A crucial element of any large capital project is the ongoing review and refinement of the agreed design, in particular the mechanical, electrical and infection prevention compliance aspects. Internal and external experts guide this process, which is independently reviewed through the National Design Assessment Process (NDAP) and the Key Stage Assurance Review (KSAR) process led by NHS Scotland Assure.
"We will always welcome any changes that lead to a more robust process, a safer clinical environment of our buildings. Whilst the slippage of time is disappointing, it is without doubt, the right thing to do. Our Project Team is working hard to quantify the potential time and costs attached to this, and this will take some months to complete.
"Until then, we would like to assure our staff, patients, partners and stakeholders that, despite a longer delivery timetable, NHS Grampian is immensely proud of these landmark projects and is committed to taking all the appropriate measures to ensure they are at the forefront of healthcare both nationally and internationally.”