NHS Grampian board to be updated on finances and new hospitals
Published: 13/03/2024 11:09NHS 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/