Throughout June and July, members of the public joined New QEH Showcase events online or at venues including Downham Market, Marshland St James, South Wootton, Swaffham, King’s Lynn and Hunstanton, to hear from our team of specialists, see concept designs and ask questions.
They heard how the new hospital – set to open in 2032 – will transform the way care is delivered across West Norfolk, North Cambridgeshire, and South Lincolnshire.
The concept designs have been created by leading specialists in healthcare design using the national Hospital 2.0 standardised blueprint design for all new hospitals.
At the heart of the building design is a central communication spine, providing easy access to all parts of the hospital.
Critical clinical services – including Maternity, Theatres, Emergency Care, and Diagnostics – will be co-located in a dedicated central podium to allow for faster care. One of the standout features is the carefully planned separate corridors or ‘flows’ for patients, visitors, and facilities services, ensuring both privacy and efficiency across the site.
Attendees also got a glimpse into the future of care delivery, with digital innovation a key theme. From smart systems that support patient safety to technology that eases the burden on staff, the New QEH is being shaped as a hospital fit for tomorrow.
Peter Cox, Programme Director – New QEH, said: ““What struck me most was the strength of feeling – the passion, the insight, the challenge. Our community isn’t just behind this project; they want to help shape it. The conversations we had were open, honest and inspiring – and they’re already influencing our thinking.”
This was the third major round of public engagement, following earlier events in August 2023 and Autumn 2024. This time, two virtual sessions – one for staff and Governors, one public – ran alongside six face-to-face events across the Trust’s catchment area.
Further events will be held early next year to update people on more detailed designs and plans.
As a Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) hospital, The QEH is one of the national priority hospitals earmarked for full rebuild under the New Hospital Programme.
Construction of the new main hospital building – to be located on the current main car park – is expected to begin in 2028, following completion of a new multi-storey car park.
Anyone who missed the sessions can catch up by watching the virtual event online and signing up to receive the Modernising Our Hospital newsletter at www.newqeh.org.uk/get-involved
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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