During a 90-minute tour on Wednesday (14.08.24), Mr Jermy witnessed first-hand the ongoing challenges posed by the presence of bad concrete throughout the hospital site, visiting wards where failsafes are in place and seeing other areas that have been closed and stripped out in readiness for structural supports.
The MP for South West Norfolk met with key senior leaders, including Trust Chair Chris Lawrence and CEO Alice Webster, to receive updates on robust plans for a New QEH and how the hospital is maximising the potential of the current site, including a new dedicated end of life unit which is funded through the hospital’s own charity.
He heard how the need for a new hospital remains pressing despite the Trust’s three-year, £80 million failsafe programme, which has seen the installation of over 6,563 steel and timber support props to maximise patient, visitor, and staff safety. The current structure will not remain viable beyond 2030.
Mr Jermy emphasised the importance of urgent funding, stating: “I am very grateful to the hospital team for taking the time to show me first-hand the issues impacting the hospital.
“The QEH and NHS more generally was a priority campaign issue for me and I look forward to a really strong relationship moving forward.
“I will continue to liaise closely with government ministers to press the need for urgent funding for the hospital rebuild.”
He added: “Despite the challenges of the working environment I was incredibly impressed with the professionalism and dedication of staff.”
The MP’s visit comes shortly after Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a review of the New Hospital Programme. The QEH is one of seven hospitals on the programme which were constructed with Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).
CEO Alice Webster, expressed her appreciation for Mr Jermy’s visit and reiterated the Trust’s readiness to move forward with the New QEH project. “We were delighted to welcome Terry to The QEH today, and we look forward to working closely with him in the future.
“Our case for a new building remains as strong as ever. We are investment-ready, and our team is working hard to stay on track to deliver a new hospital by 2030. We are in regular communication with the New Hospital Programme, NHS England, and the government, and are keen to make progress with our plans as soon as possible.”
Ends. Notes to editors; For media enquiries only, please contact Communications Team, media.enquiries@qehkl.nhs.uk or 01553 613216. For all other enquiries, please contact QEH Switchboard on 01553 613613.
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