Revealing the funding, health chiefs also confirmed that work will push ahead on replacing five hospitals constructed mostly using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). Airedale Hospital in West Yorkshire, Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn in Norfolk, Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Cambridgeshire, Leighton Hospital in Cheshire, and Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey all have significant amounts of RAAC – a lightweight type of concrete used to construct parts of the NHS estate in the past, but which has a limited lifespan, after which it deteriorates significantly and can make buildings unsafe. And the NHS has asked the Government to prioritise the rebuilding of these facilities given the risks they pose to patients and staff.

BACK ON TRACK

Two of the worst-affected hospitals – West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds and James Paget Hospital in Norfolk – have already been announced as part of the New Hospital Programme. However, as a result of this reprioritisation, together with the rising cost of construction materials, the Government has admitted that up to eight schemes originally due to be constructed by the 2030 deadline will now be completed later. But, in a statement, ministers said they remained ‘committed to delivering all hospitals within the programme as soon as possible’ and ‘will ensure all schemes have adequate funding’. And they said they were on track to deliver the manifesto commitment to build 40 new hospitals in England by 2030, because in addition to the five RAAC hospitals, three mental health hospitals will also be delivered through wider capital funding, as part of a commitment to eradicate dormitory accommodation from mental health facilities across the country. And two hospitals are already complete and five are under construction.

SPEEDING UP DELIVERY

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 £20billion of new investment in hospital infrastructure.” Health Minister, Lord Markham, added: “In the immediate term, we are focusing 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 £20billion 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.”