Queen Mary officially opens Aalborg University Hospital despite ongoing issues

Queen Mary of Denmark formally inaugurated Aalborg University Hospital on Tuesday, marking the official opening of North Jutland’s largest-ever construction project despite persistent technical problems and budget overruns, DR reports.

The ceremony took place 13 years after groundbreaking and four years behind the original 2020 completion deadline. Construction costs have also ballooned by 1.5 billion Danish kroner (approx. €200 million) beyond initial estimates.

Regional council chairman Mads Duedahl (Venstre) acknowledged the challenges but emphasised the milestone’s significance. “When we struggled with finances and timelines, I felt a pit in my stomach. But we found a way forward, and that’s why I’m especially happy to stand here today,” he said.

Staff report ventilation failures, broken blinds, and noise issues

Since staff and patients began relocating to the 180,000 m² facility this spring, multiple operational problems have surfaced. The ventilation system remains suboptimal, window blinds in patient rooms and offices are malfunctioning—causing overheating—and surgical teams report disruptive noise from air purification units.

Critics argued the region should have delayed occupancy until issues were resolved. Duedahl rejected this, citing advice from experienced advisors: “We needed a firm move-in date to maintain construction momentum. Further delays would have worsened budget and timeline slippage.”

Problems “expected in a project of this scale”

Duedahl described current challenges as “far smaller” than past crises, including water damage in walls and a 1.5-billion-krone funding gap four years ago. He noted that many issues—like the broken blinds—only emerged after staff moved in, making early occupancy essential for identification and resolution.

“I allow myself to be truly proud we’ve reached this point,” he said, contrasting North Jutland’s project with other Danish hospital constructions facing even greater delays and cost overruns.

The ceremonial ribbon, cut by Queen Mary, was crafted by children visiting the hospital’s new creative workshop. Staff, including intensive care nurse Helle Jørgensen, presented flowers to the queen during the event, attended by patients and well-wishers waving flags.