Two hospitals in Norfolk and Waveney have received approval to move forward as part of the New Hospital Programme (NHP). The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Trust and the James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have been granted permission to proceed, marking a significant step towards improving healthcare infrastructure across the region.

Nationally, twelve hospital building projects have been greenlit to advance, despite an ongoing review of the wider NHP initiated by the current government. These projects, including the two Norfolk and Waveney hospitals, are set to proceed following the publication of the government’s review terms today. The review, which aims to put the New Hospital Programme onto a realistic, deliverable and affordable footing, is expected to conclude in time for October’s spending review.

Crucially, the government confirmed that these twelve schemes, which will not be subject to further review, include seven projects designed to replace buildings constructed using Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). These priority projects, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the James Paget Hospital, will continue to proceed with planning for the construction of new hospitals and prioritised to ensure patient and staff safety.

Tracey Bleakley, Chief Executive of NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB, said: “This is really welcome news for residents of Norfolk and Waveney, as well as for the staff who work at both hospitals. Rebuilding the hospitals is an important part of our plan for improving the care we provide to local people, alongside investing in primary and community care. Changes of this scale do not happen often, to make the most of the money and the opportunity it is essential that we also look at how we care for people and what we can do better. We look forward to working with local people as we further develop our plans.” 

Alice Webster, Chief Executive of The Queen Elizabeth, said: “This is fantastic news for our patients, our community and our staff. We know just how much The QEH means to the surrounding community and this announcement will be welcomed by all those connected with the hospital.

“We now look forward to pressing ahead with our new hospital plans. There is still a thorough process to go through, but we are all committed to delivering a new hospital on this site in 2030.

“The New QEH will feature modern construction methods and healthcare innovations to meet the needs of the local population for generations to come.”

Jo Segasby, Chief Executive of the James Paget, said: “This announcement is a further step forward for our hospital, and for people living towards the east of Norfolk and Waveney, confirming that we will have a new Hospital for our communities, and the patients of the future.”

“It also provides reassurance that we have long-term plans to address the RAAC construction issues that our estates team have worked tirelessly to make safe across our current site, and allow services to continue while planning and construction of our new hospital takes place.”

Further updates on the development timelines will be shared as planning progresses.