The government has stated seven RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) built hospitals – including the QEH – can ‘proceed at pace due to the substantive safety risks.’
The decision has been warmly welcomed by hospital leaders, health chiefs and MPs and paves the way for a state-of-the-art hospital to be built on the existing QEH site and ready to receive new patients in 2030.
CEO Alice Webster 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.”
James Wild, MP for North West Norfolk, said: “It is very welcome news for patients and staff government has listened to concerns about QEH and finally agreed this scheme will proceed at pace so we have the new we need. I’ll continue working with Team QEH to ensure we have the new hospital by 2030 for our community.”
Terry Jermy, MP for South West Norfolk commented: “Today’s news will be a relief for staff and patients and will give us the hospital we all deserve in West Norfolk. The previous Tory Government only added the QEH to the New Hospitals Programme at the last minute when money was running out. I am delighted the new Labour government has recognised the scale of the challenge and made the money available, despite the poor state of our public finances.
“I pay tribute to the whole staff team at QEH who continue to work hard to provide care in a challenging environment. I also pay tribute to the many years of campaigning by local residents, hospital staff and trade unions who kept the QEH in the public eye and top of the political agenda.”
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.”
Following today’s announcement, the Trust will continue working with the New Hospital Programme to ensure services can continue safely on the current site for as long as needed. Using the current location will enable the hospital to be built within the quickest timeframe.
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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