NHS Grampian’s board is poised to be updated on its financial
position and the Baird Family Hospital and ANCHOR Centre project.
Members will also be told about
work to reduce ambulance waits outside Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI), at a
meeting later this week.
As part of his
chief executive report, Adam Coldwells will tell the board of “the
extremely challenging financial landscape” that the NHS is operating in. The interim chief
executive will state: “Whilst we are at an advanced stage in our financial planning for
2024/25, our forecasts anticipate a more challenging year for all Health Boards
than we have ever previously experienced. Indications are that NHS Grampian
will be required to identify and achieve savings in excess of £77 million. The scale of this challenge is
unprecedented and cannot be underestimated.”
Also, as part of his report, Dr
Coldwells will tell board members of work to reduce ambulance stacking outside
ARI’s Emergency Department – including the introduction of 32 additional beds,
the Safe Transfer of Patients project and the expansion of the Flow Navigation
Centre.
A separate report, from Baird
Family Hospital and ANCHOR Centre project director Garry Kidd, states that,
following a review, the project’s board has agreed to undertake additional work
in several areas of the new buildings. He writes: “For certain aspects
of the recommendations involving physical alterations to rooms, in relation to
the Building Management system and aspects of the water system, work can be
progressed immediately. Other aspects however require additional feasibility
work.”
Areas where work can begin
include the ANCHOR Centre’s open plan treatment area, work to the water systems
in both buildings, and work in the operating theatres. This work will allow the
buildings to take into account “recent learning from the perspective of
Healthcare Associated Infection” and “provide assurance that both buildings are
capable of providing contemporary healthcare services to high standards of quality
and safety”. The papers adds: “It is intended
to provide an update on revised project timescales and costs for the next
meeting of the Board on 11th April 2024.”
Board members will be asked to
note progress with The Baird Family Hospital and ANCHOR Centre project.
The
board will meet at virtually, at 10am on Thursday, March 14.
The full board papers
can be viewed by visiting https://www.nhsgrampian.org/about-us/grampian-nhs-board/grampian-nhs-board-meetings/2024-board-papers/14-march-2024/