- Government remains committed to delivering all schemes announced as part of the New Hospital Programme, which is now expected to represent over £20 billion of investment in new hospital infrastructure.
- Five hospitals constructed mostly using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) will be rebuilt by 2030 as part of the New Hospital Programme.
Patients and staff will benefit from safe, state-of-the-art new facilities and improved care as the government announced its commitment today (Thursday 25 May) to rebuild five major hospitals by 2030, as part of the New Hospital Programme. For the first time, the government has confirmed a record investment of over £20 billion is expected to be spent on new hospital infrastructure.
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. This is on top of two of the worst affected hospitals – West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds and James Paget Hospital in Norfolk.
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.”
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.
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.”
Read the full statement here
What is the status of the New Hospital programme schemes?
Two schemes are already complete and five are in construction. By next year, more than 20 will be underway.
The government remains committed to delivering all schemes announced as part of the New Hospital Programme, which is now expected to represent over £20 billion of investment in new hospital infrastructure.
The government is on track to deliver the manifesto commitment to build 40 new hospitals in England by 2030.
A long-term rolling programme.
The government recognise the need for continuous investment in healthcare infrastructure.
Therefore, the New Hospital Programme will become part of a rolling programme of investment in new health capital infrastructure to deliver new hospitals up to 2030 and beyond.
This will mean further future investment to upgrade NHS facilities across the country and improve care for staff and patients, with details agreed every five years to provide greater certainty. This will mean more than 40 new hospitals will be built in the longer term.