26th May 2023
Healthcare in Norfolk and Waveney received a massive boost yesterday (Thursday 25 May) as the Government confirmed plans and funding for new hospitals in our area.
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust (QEH) has been added to the Government’s New Hospital Programme and will join the James Paget University Hospital (JPUH) and the West Suffolk Hospital which had already been announced as part of the programme.
The hospitals are among seven affected by the deterioration of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) materials and have been prioritised within the announcement.
The Government said it remains committed to delivering 40 hospitals within the programme by 2030 and will ensure all schemes have adequate funding.
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay announced the addition of five more hospitals to the programme yesterday, including the QEH, and 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.”
Responding to the announcement, the Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt, Chair of NHS Norfolk and Waveney, said: “I am delighted by the announcement today of a new hospital serving the King’s Lynn and West Norfolk area. This redevelopment is a once in a generation opportunity to deliver a great new hospital for local people that will provide excellent health care and clinical facilities in a safe, modern environment, helping to improve health outcomes for our local communities for many years to come.
“Everyone in Norfolk and Waveney has been waiting patiently for this announcement, knowing that a new hospital is really needed. In addition to the new hospital planned to replace the James Paget University Hospital, and other capital investment programmes already confirmed across Norfolk and Waveney, this will give our staff, people and communities the modern facilities they need and deserve.”