West Norfolk campaigners fear QEH won't be rebuilt by 2030 as promised
The Public Accounts Committee group have judged it "highly unlikely" that 40 new hospitals will be built in less than seven years
Last updated 10th Dec 2023
Concerned residents in King's Lynn say funding for a new multi-storey car park at the Queen Elizabeth needs to be released- to help ensure the hospital is rebuilt on time
It follows a group of senior MPs, (The Public Accounts Committee group), judging- back in mid November- it "highly unlikely" that 40 new hospitals will be built in less than seven years.
On Friday, Save the QEH campaigners were outside the blue hoardings at the QEH. They were carrying torches and wearing hard hats to raise awareness about the new for progress
"Five months behind schedule"
Jo Rust is from the 'Save Our QEH' group:
"There has been no funding released yet. The design of Hospital 2.0 has yet to be finalised- and is five months behind schedule. The design of the multi-storey car park hasn't been finalised either".
"We have been told through-out this process that there is no Plan B and 'the burning deck' ends on 2030. So, if we don't have a new hospital up and running by then, our current hospital won't be functioning".
"It will put extra pressure on other hospitals"
"The designers who are looking to standardise the design of the car park and Hospital 2.0, need to be able to present them soon. So the construction industry need to get their head around what they need to do"
"If we don't get a new hospital by 2030- it will be disastrous for us and the surrounding health-system. It will put extra pressure on other hospitals in the area and mean that people will have travel much further for their health needs to be met"
What's the Government said?
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said:
We are committed to delivering 40 new hospitals by 2030, expected to be backed by over £20 billion of investment and additional clinical projects.
“Three hospitals open to patients, another two opening shortly, and a further sixteen in construction or have early construction activity underway to prepare sites. Our innovative ‘Hospital 2.0’ approach will enable us to build high quality hospitals more quickly.
“With better value for money for the taxpayer, new hospitals will feature single bedrooms which can reduce length of stay, improve infection control and boost use of bed capacity.”