Aberdeen's new maternity hospital due to open in 2020 delayed by seven years

A new maternity hospital in Aberdeen has been hit by further delays and won’t open until 2027.

The Baird Family Hospital is now set to open seven years later than originally planned.

The facility aims to be an international leader in women’s health services and research.

The total cost to build the Baird Family hospital and the Anchor cancer centre, is expected to exceed £260 million, around £100 million more than the original budget.

Project director Colin Adam said: “A scope of remedial works has been agreed by the Project Board, and the contractor has received instructions and works are anticipated to commence early next year.

“We anticipate moving into The Baird Family Hospital in early 2027.

“We are aware this exciting project has taken longer than the public and our staff would have liked to reach completion, but it is vital the building is as safe as possible and suitable, for years to come, for future generations.

“Standards around hospital acquired infections and clinical practice are constantly evolving and it was important and right that we took time to weigh up new and emerging evidence as the build has progressed.”