LGI in urgent need of replacing, with plans on hold whilst Government review New Hospital Programme
We're hearing how the Leeds General Infirmary is no longer fit for purpose - and is in urgent need of replacing its ageing hospital
Last updated 30th Sep 2024
Plans to build a new hospital at Leeds General Infirmary are now urgently needed as Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is faced with mounting costs and crumbling hospital buildings.
As the Government undertakes a review of the New Hospital Programme, the Trust is urging local MPs and people to help highlight the critical need for its new hospital.
We went for a look around the hospital, where we were shown off limits corridors, due to damage to the roof and crumbling concrete.
Craige Richardson, Director of Estates and Facilities at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust explains: “Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has one of the oldest estates in the NHS.
"Some of its buildings date back more than 150 years and despite ongoing investment to repair and maintain the facilities, the Trust is faced with ageing services infrastructure, leaking roofs, damp, and crumbling walls and ceilings which are inadequate for patient care.
"While we have relocated clinical services from these poor estate areas to other parts of the hospital, the estate’s age and condition has significantly increased the Trust’s backlog maintenance costs which are increasing each year.”
They told us care isn't compromised or patient safety, but it is impacting their experience. Craige said the new hospital would be transformational for the whole of West Yorkshire.
The trust told us they their plans are advanced and they are ready to go, when they can.
Alex Sobel, MP for Leeds Central and Headingley is one MP who has visited the Trust to see first-hand the challenges that are facing the Trust. He said: "Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust provides exceptional care across all its sites, but I was quite concerned by the condition of some of the oldest parts of the hospital, which are no longer fit for purpose.
"The Trust is doing what it can to invest in its ageing estate and relocate some of the most affected services, but it will soon reach a point where further relocations are not feasible, and the ongoing maintenance costs are putting significant strain on NHS budgets.
“I understand the financial pressures on public finances and fully appreciate the need to place the New Hospital Programme on a more sustainable path. I am eager to work with colleagues across the Government to highlight how Leeds Teaching Hospital’s new hospital project is uniquely positioned to deliver outstanding value for money and is ready to begin construction as soon as the Trust is able to proceed."
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We inherited a New Hospital Programme that is undeliverable and unfunded. We will be honest with patients and will put the programme on a sustainable footing.
“Patient safety is our biggest concern, so rebuilds of hospitals built primarily from RAAC, alongside those where the Full Business Case is already approved, will continue as planned. Our review will provide a thorough, costed and realistic timeline for delivery of the rest of the programme to ensure we can replace the crumbling hospital estate in England.
“This, alongside the fundamental reforms that will be introduced in our 10-year plan, will ensure we build an NHS that is fit for the future.”