Delayed hospital project to cost three times more than expected

The estimated budget for a new cancer centre and maternity hospital in Aberdeen has now more than trebled to £420m, new figures have revealed.

The Baird Family Hospital and Anchor Cancer Centre were originally expected to cost up to £134m.

They were both meant to open in 2020, but have faced a series of delays.

New Scottish government infrastructure delivery documents now put the project investment at £423.6m. The Scottish Conservatives described the costs and delays as "inexcusable".

NHS Grampian said there would be an update on timescales and costs presented to the board when it meets on 19 February.

The Scottish government said the health board was implementing "several changes to the new hospital, resulting from a design review" which had affected the completion date and cost.

"These changes 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," it added.

"We will continue to support NHS Grampian as they work through this process."

Project approval was given more than 10 years ago, but building work did not start until 2021.

In December, BBC Scotland News had revealed the project was facing further delays.

Construction has been hit by problems including issues with water and ventilation systems and design issues.

The current estimate is that the Anchor Centre will open later this year, and the maternity hospital next year.

Scottish Conservative north east MSP Liam Kerr described the costs as "eye-watering" after project delays.

"It's astonishing that costs have been allowed to spiral so far out of control on a project of such importance," he said.

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