Meeting of the Parliament 12 March 2026 [Draft]
First, I recognise the importance of the point that Mr Burnett puts to me. I heard his speech last night, and I understand exactly all the points that he is making. It is a matter of regret to me that the Baird family hospital and the ANCHOR centre are as delayed as they are, but they are delayed because of the level of scrutiny and intervention that is under way to guarantee safety. That is the process that is under way, and NHS Scotland Assure, which was set up to do exactly that type of scrutiny, is exercising that responsibility.
In relation to the building process at the Baird and ANCHOR, my officials spoke to NHS Grampian this morning, which confirmed that the water safety group at the Baird and ANCHOR met on Friday 6 March. The group talked through the concerns that have been raised, and everyone present agreed on the response and the action being taken to ensure the highest level of water safety when the facilities open.
As a result of the intervention of NHS Scotland Assure, buildings are not opened unless it is safe for them to open and they comply with all relevant requirements. I assure Mr Burnett that that will be the case for the Baird and ANCHOR.
Mr Burnett asked for the hospitals to open without delay. I cannot give him that assurance, because we have to ensure that they are safe to open. I assure him that no one wants the hospitals to open more than me, but I have to learn the lessons from previous issues, which is exactly what is going on now.