Key figures in the New Hospital Programme and NHS England joined senior leaders, staff and patient groups at The QEH to discuss the developing plans for a new hospital for King’s Lynn and share views on modern-day healthcare challenges.
Lord Nick Markham, Minister for the Lords and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Health and Social Care was joined by NHS England Chair Richard Meddings for the day-long event on Wednesday.
They alongside a range of dignitaries, including James Wild MP for North West Norfolk, met around 100 people.
The visit began with a formal meet and greet of the Trust’s Board and Senior Management Team to discuss the hospital’s unique RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) challenges, ongoing work to modernise the estate and plans to bring a new hospital to King’s Lynn.
Lord Markham then toured the QEH site visiting and speaking to staff in the hospital’s Emergency Department, Elm Ward, which is currently undergoing essential failsafe work as part of our ongoing RAAC Failsafe Programme, the state-of-the-art Endoscopy Unit, which opened in September 2022, and the dedicated staff Training and Innovation Centre.
Lord Markham said: “I have come here today to talk to the team about the NHP which King’s Lynn are an important part of.
“There is a buzz of excitement I have seen whilst I have been here, and as I was told there is a smile around every corner!”
The afternoon concluded with a series of roundtable events where staff, patients and stakeholders discussed what a new hospital for King’s Lynn will mean for them and local communities.
Guests also had the chance to experience a taste of the future, showing what the new proposed hospital will look using the standardised design and construction known as Hospital 2.0 – a clear vision of how hospital schemes can be delivered with greater efficiency and reduced cost.
Chris Lawrence, Chair at QEH, said: “It’s been a pleasure to welcome Lord Markham and the NHP team to King’s Lynn just ten weeks after the fantastic news that we will get a new hospital by 2030.
“This is hugely positive, and we are delighted that we can continue to offer high quality care to the people of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, and surrounding areas.”
James Wild, MP for North Norfolk, said: “Just 10 weeks after the fantastic news that King’s Lynn will get a new hospital by 2030, today we had opportunity to share our ideas of Hospital 2.0 and importantly hear from staff and patient representatives about their ideas and vision for a new hospital.
“This is a really important and collaborative project, and one which I am very excited to see move forward into next stage.”
Richard Meddings, Chair of NHS England, added: Today has been a truly excellent visit and a fantastic opportunity to meet staff, patients, governors’ and friends of the Trust to discuss the exciting plans for the construction of a new hospital in King’s Lynn.
“Thank you to everyone for the very warm welcome – it’s been a pleasure to see so many happy faces.”
Ends.
For further information, please contact Communications Team, media.enquiries@qehkl.nhs.uk or 01553 613216.
To download the press release and photos, click here.
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