James Sunderland has welcomed the Government’s commitment to rebuild Frimley Park Hospital by 2030, as part of the New Hospital Programme.
James Sunderland said:
“I very much welcome news that Frimley Park Hospital is one of five reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete hospitals being given priority in today’s hospital funding announcement.
“Today’s announcement places the government firmly on track to deliver the manifesto commitment to build 40 new hospitals in England by 2030. Two hospitals are already complete and five in construction and by the end of next year more than 20 will be underway or complete.
“This is fantastic news.”
Frimley Park Hospital is one of five additional hospitals being built – the others include Airedale in West Yorkshire, Hinchingbrooke in Cambridgeshire, Queen Elizabeth King’s Lynn in Norfolk, and Mid Cheshire Leighton in Cheshire. 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 Government has prioritised rebuilding these hospitals given the risks they pose to patients and staff.
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. In total, seven hospitals with significant amounts of RAAC will now be part of the New Hospital Programme.
The New Hospital Programme as a whole is expected to represent over £20 billion of investment in new hospital infrastructure.
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.”
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.
“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.”
