Crewe hospital one of five which will be rebuilt in the next seven years
The Health Secretary Steve Barclay's pledged to make sure the work's completed by 2030
It's been confirmed that five hospitals in England - including the Leighton in Crewe - are going to be rebuilt as planned in the next seven years.
The government's announced an investment of £20 billion to help improve health care and NHS services.
The money's part of the New Hospital Programme - a project which has faced criticism after previous promises of investment.
But now today we've heard from the government that it is committed to rebuilds at five sites by 2030.
The NHS had asked for this work to be prioritised after concerns were raised by patients and staff about the safety of existing facilities.
Ministers also say more than 20 hospital projects will be underway or complete by the end of next year.
The five hospitals are Airedale in West Yorkshire, Queen Elizabeth King’s Lynn in Norfolk, Hinchingbrooke in Cambridgeshire, Mid Cheshire Leighton in Cheshire and Frimley Park in Surrey.
These hospitals all have significant amounts of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), a lightweight type of concrete used to construct parts of the NHS estate in the past but has a limited lifespan, after which it deteriorates significantly.
The NHS has asked the government to prioritise the rebuilding of these hospitals given the risks they pose to patients and staff - the full extent of which has come to light since the New Hospital Programme was first announced in 2020.
Two of the worst affected hospitals - West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds and James Paget Hospital in Norfolk - have already been announced as of the New Hospital Programme and the construction of these major new hospitals will be prioritised to ensure patient and staff safety.
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:
“These five hospitals are in pressing need of repair and are being prioritised so patients and staff can benefit from major new hospital buildings, equipped with the latest technology.
“On top of this I’m strengthening our New Hospital Programme by today confirming that it is expected to represent more than £20 billion of new investment in hospital infrastructure.
“As we approach the 75th anniversary of our fantastic NHS, this extra investment will ensure it can care for patients for decades to come and help cut waiting lists so they get the treatment they need quicker.”
Going forward, new schemes will be considered through a rolling programme of capital investment in hospital infrastructure to secure the building of new hospitals beyond 2030.
It will mean further future investment to upgrade NHS facilities across the country, with details to be agreed periodically to provide greater future certainty, and will allow more than 40 new hospitals to be built in the longer term.
By developing a national approach to delivering new hospitals, they can be built more quickly and at a reduced cost, providing value for taxpayers. Patients and staff will benefit from modern hospital design making use of the latest technology, digital innovation and sustainability to improve overall patient experience and provide a better working environment for staff.
This is in addition to substantial wider capital investment which is delivering vital improvements across the NHS, including major upgrades.
The government remains committed to eradicating RAAC from the wider NHS estate by 2035 and has already allocated £685 million in immediate support to affected trusts to help keep patients and staff safe.
Health Minister Lord Markham said:
“We are investing in new NHS facilities across the country giving patients the certainty they can access world-leading care in state-of-the-art hospitals, both now and in the years to come.
“In the immediate term, we’re focussing on quickly and safely rebuilding hospitals in areas which need it most – specifically those affected by this specific type of concrete, which poses a significant risk to patients and staff if not rebuilt by 2030 – with over £20 billion expected to be invested in new hospital infrastructure.
“In the long term, our new standardised design means we can rapidly replicate new hospitals across the country, helping speed up construction and improving services for patients faster.”
Senior Responsible Owner of the New Hospital Programme Natalie Forrest said:
“This is a significant milestone for the New Hospital Programme, as we continue to progress with delivering facilities for staff and patients at the cutting edge of modern technology with the experience of those who will use these hospitals at the heart of our focus.
“We’re continuing to build healthcare infrastructure that improves patient care – including modern designs, creating single rooms ensuring maximum natural light and access to outdoor spaces. This new design will reduce the workload of NHS staff through digital solutions, well designed flow and designated areas for staff recuperation.
“I look forward to continuing to work with all Trusts already in the programme and welcoming the new ones into the New Hospital Programme.”