Kettering General Hospital

Opened the debate

Mr Philip Hollobone praised the NHS staff at Kettering General Hospital, commending their work during and after the pandemic. He highlighted significant government investments in the hospital including £46 million for an urgent care hub, a £350 million HIP2 fund allocation from 2025 to 2030, and a write-off of £167 million of trust debt. The MP expressed concern about the disjointed approach between these funding streams and suggested dovetailing them by advancing 15% (£53 million) of the future rebuild funds over three years to facilitate an urgent care hub as part of a phased redevelopment plan. He detailed five specific asks regarding combining the funding streams, using existing allocation for enabling works, getting early advances from HIP2, considering delays in other projects for Kettering’s benefit, and inviting the Minister to visit the hospital.

Government Response

Mr Edward Argar thanked Mr Hollobone for his speech and acknowledged the significant investment made in Kettering General Hospital by the government. He confirmed that discussions are ongoing to bring together the £46 million urgent care hub funding with the HIP2 scheme as part of a wider development project at Kettering General Hospital site, which will be enabled through a letter sent on 16 June to Simon Weldon, chief executive of the hospital trust. The Minister expressed willingness to consider flexibilities and opportunities for moving unspent money in case other projects face delays. He also stated that the Treasury sets annual caps on spending review allocations and any underspend against these will be considered for accelerating Kettering's project progress. Finally, he welcomed Mr Hollobone’s persistent advocacy for his constituents and invited him to visit the hospital again.