Further five-month delay for Aberdeen cancer centre

A new cancer centre in Aberdeen, originally due to open in 2020, has been further delayed, according to NHS Grampian board papers.

The Anchor Centre was to be delivered alongside the Baird Family Hospital as part of significant upgrades on the Foresterhill Health Campus.

Once open, the purpose-built healthcare facility will serve as a centralised hub for cancer and blood disorder care.

However, its opening has faced lengthy delays, with the latest revision now moving it from December 2026 to May 2027, according to board papers prepared ahead of a meeting this week.

The delay is due to the implementation of the “water safety works” and to ensure the system is working effectively.

The Anchor Centre and Baird Family Hospital were approved more than a decade ago, but work did not begin until 2021, despite an original opening date of 2020.

In addition to a seven-year delay, the cost of the project has risen substantially from £134m to £438.6m.

While health bosses say the Baird Family Hospital remains on track for September 2027, they are warning that “critical technical and assurance risks continue to require resolution”.

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