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Hospitals 2025-04-23
23 April 2025
Lead MP
Helen Morgan
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
NHSTaxation
Other Contributors: 76
At a Glance
Helen Morgan raised concerns about hospitals 2025-04-23 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Regrets the appalling state of repair of NHS hospitals across the country, noting a maintenance backlog of £13.8 billion in 2023-24 and the failure to deliver on promises for new hospital construction. Calls on the Government to reverse delays and create a taskforce for crumbling hospitals.
Andy Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Acknowledges past issues but notes that funding is now being invested in local hospital rebuilds. Urges recognition of progress made by the current Government.
Mark Ferguson
Lab
Gateshead Central and Whickham
Questions the assertion that additional investment in NHS amounts to procrastination, citing a £22 billion increase this year as evidence against that claim.
Calder Valley
Points out underinvestment in hospital buildings during much of the 2010s and seeks to attribute responsibility to specific governments for these delays.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Raises concern over car parking issues at hospitals, impacting disabled people and delaying patient appointments due to lack of spaces.
Ben Coleman
Lab
Chelsea and Fulham
Interrupts briefly but no full contribution provided in the given text.
Daisy Cooper
LD
St Albans
Suggests devolving capital funds to local hospital trusts for more efficient spending, noting delays and inefficiencies in current centralised processes.
Andy Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Fulham
Mr Slaughter challenged the feasibility of Helen Morgan's proposal, citing the cost discrepancy between repair bills (£874 million) versus new build costs (£4 billion) for three world-class hospitals in his constituency.
Andrew Snowden
Con
Fylde
Mr Snowden questioned whether the Liberal Democrats' focus on current day-to-day budgets overlooked the private finance initiative mess left by previous Labour Governments during Blair and Brown years, which still affects NHS finances today.
Ben Coleman
Lab
Solihull
Mr Coleman attempted to intervene but was declined by Helen Morgan who felt she had been generous with her time already.
Daisy Cooper
Lab/Co-op
West Hertfordshire
Critiques the Conservative government's failure to deliver on their promise of a new Watford general hospital. Emphasises the need for trust and asks the Minister to reaffirm Labour's commitment to the hospital project.
Chris Vince
Lab/Co-op
Harlow
Supports the realistic timelines being proposed by Labour, citing his constituency of Harlow where a new hospital was promised without proper funding or planning. Highlights the importance of trust in government and welcomes the current programme's realism.
Calum Miller
LD
Bicester and Woodstock
Asks for urgent release of funds through integrated care boards to expand GP surgeries, particularly noting population growth in his constituency. Acknowledges the need for capital investment to alleviate pressure on hospitals.
Jim Dickson
Lab
Dartford
Supports the Minister's efforts to clear up previous messes regarding hospital provision and welcomes the announcement of a new intensive care unit at Darent Valley Hospital, which he sees as a significant improvement for Dartford residents.
Stella Creasy
Lab/Co-op
Walthamstow
Critiques previous Conservative promises to rebuild hospitals without funding and highlights the over-reliance on Private Finance Initiative schemes. Emphasises the current government's commitment to reversing these issues.
Highlights innovative local partnerships in London for hospital rebuilding projects, suggesting that such collaborations can maximize resources and rebuild three world-class hospitals locally.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Constituency Unspecified
The Government is addressing financial and operational challenges by legislating for fair pay agreements, delivering home adaptations through disabled facilities grants, providing substantial increases in carer’s allowance, training more care workers to perform health interventions, and investing record levels of capital spending into healthcare. The Government aims to deliver value for money for taxpayers while implementing structural reforms in social care.
Layla Moran
LD
Oxford West and Abingdon
Asked the Minister about the Department's decision not to refund an organisation called Think Ahead, which trains mental health social care workers. She sought clarity on why funding was withdrawn despite its importance in training mental health social care workers.
Newton Abbot
Expressed concern over the threat of closure for Teignmouth community hospital due to maintenance backlogs at Torbay Hospital. He emphasised the need for community hospitals in Devon and urged the Minister to intervene.
Chris Ward
Lab
Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven
Welcomed the addition of a new cancer centre to his constituency's wave one list but criticised the Liberal Democrats' motion as unserious, pointing out that it does not propose any substantial funding solutions.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Acknowledged the need for a world-class NHS with advanced facilities but highlighted challenges such as an ageing population, increased demand due to complex comorbidities, and higher costs of new treatments. She criticised Labour's decision to pause the hospital programme despite election promises.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
The hon. Member agrees that Labour's promises do not mean much, highlighting the lack of action on building a new hospital for West Hertfordshire despite full funding being promised in 2023.
Daisy Cooper
Lab
Westmorland and Lonsdale
The hon. Member questions where the money went that was supposed to fund the building of a new hospital for West Hertfordshire, pointing out that despite promises from the previous Conservative Government, no construction has begun.
Ben Coleman
Con
Chelsea and Fulham
The hon. Member corrects claims made by the Labour Party about funding commitments for hospital rebuilds, stating that there is no evidence of such assurances being given to Charing Cross Hospital or other hospitals across the country.
Andy Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith
The hon. Member challenges the accuracy of statements made about Charing Cross hospital, noting the history of underfunding and threats to its existence, which was only secured through a seven-year campaign by residents.
Chris Curtis
Lab
Milton Keynes North
The hon. Member shares a personal story highlighting the impact of Tory neglect on the NHS, emphasising that urgent care is not being provided to those in need and raising concerns about the future sustainability of the health service.
Chris Curtis
Lab
Milton Keynes North
Challenges the Conservative record of not providing adequate funding for NHS infrastructure. Emphasises the importance of delivering on promises, such as securing funding for the new women and children's hospital in Milton Keynes. Criticises the previous Government’s lack of funding (4%) and highlights current investment under Labour (96%). Advocates for fast-tracking hospital projects to avoid cost increases.
Layla Moran
LD
Oxford West and Abingdon
Welcomes today's Liberal Democrat motion on healthcare capital spending, emphasising the importance of transparency in how funding is allocated. Expresses concern over lack of transparency from the Government regarding decisions made for hospital infrastructure projects. Questions the Secretary of State to publish detailed assessments of all new hospital programme schemes against set criteria.
Sean Woodcock
Lab
Banbury
Questions Layla Moran about her party's role in NHS reforms under the coalition government, specifically highlighting the wasted money on a top-down reorganisation which has been problematic.
Esher and Walton
Shared a constituent's experience of her daughter being locked in a room at the local hospital with no mental health provision. Requested clarity on future mental health provisions from the Minister.
Expressed concern about declining mental health spend as a proportion of NHS spend and questioned where funding pots for projects like Warneford Park will come from. Emphasised the need to invest in capital expenditure with an 'invest-to-save' approach.
Emily Darlington
Lab
Milton Keynes Central
Discussed personal experiences and praised the dedication of staff at Milton Keynes Hospital, highlighting years of underfunding by Government. Mentioned council-funded improvements like a new cancer centre. Noted that despite reductions in waiting times due to recent investment, they are still too long due to rapid population growth.
Ian Roome
LD
North Devon
Described the outdated operating theatre at North Devon District Hospital built in 1978 and the £44 million maintenance backlog. Urged Government action against a potential nightmare scenario of widespread cancellations due to failing infrastructure.
Connor Naismith
Lab
Crewe and Nantwich
Highlighted Labour's commitment to building hospitals with funding, contrasting it with previous Conservative promises. Discussed the need for upgrading Leighton Hospital in his constituency, noting an urgent risk assessment due to outdated facilities.
John Milne
LD
Horsham
In Horsham, a localised treatment strategy could include wound dressing and sexual health services. Moving more of the treatments for which distance really matters into smaller local clinics is needed in the absence of a general hospital.
Rebecca Paul
Con
Reigate
The Epsom and St Helier university hospitals NHS trust faces considerable pressure due to duplicate services spread across two sites. The new specialist emergency care hospital in Sutton, which would consolidate emergency care into one state-of-the-art facility, has been delayed until 2037.
Luke Taylor
LD
Sutton and Cheam
The delay to the new hospital at Sutton is down to the previous Government's failure to fund and bring forward projects. The hospital will sit in his constituency, and he believes it should be delivered now.
Danny Beales
Lab
Uxbridge and South Ruislip
The Labour Government have prioritised capital investment with a realistic timescale for the programme. Hillingdon hospital is included in wave 1, with a capital envelope of nearly £1.4 billion agreed in recent weeks.
West Dorset
Dorset NHS foundation trust has submitted a business case for an integrated electronic health record system to allow them to work together, share information and save the NHS money. This is exactly the kind of technological advancement the NHS should be funding.
Brian Mathew
LD
Melksham and Devizes
Mathew emphasised the importance of investment in community health provision, highlighting a lack of out-of-hours healthcare facilities in his constituency. He called for expanding services at under-utilised sites like Melksham community hospital to improve patient convenience and reduce demand on major hospitals.
Andrew Cooper
Lab
Mid Cheshire
Cooper criticised the delays, confusion, and lack of funding in the previous Government's new hospital programme. He provided examples of underfunded projects like Leighton hospital, urging for a more comprehensive approach to rebuilding hospitals that reflect modern healthcare needs.
Tim Farron
LD
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Farron discussed the challenges in his rural constituency regarding access to healthcare services. He highlighted issues such as cancelled funding for minor injury care, GP service shortages, and long travel distances for cancer treatment.
Mitcham and Morden
McDonagh argued against the new emergency hospital at Belmont. She emphasised that relocating the hospital would take critical services away from areas with high deprivation levels, low car usage, and a high number of chronic conditions.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
Capital investment in Northern Ireland's health sector has been stable until the pandemic, with subsequent disruptions due to global supply chains and construction costs. The funding available for capital investment is now 16% lower per head of population than England despite higher needs. South Antrim's Birch Hill mental health centre project is underfunded, highlighting the need for certainty in budget allocations.
Simon Opher
Lab
Stroud
The Government has provided sustainable plans for hospital programmes and increased GP posts. The NHS faces significant repair costs of £13.8 billion, stemming from underfunding since 2010. Previous Labour Governments built 100 new hospitals including Vale Hospital in Dursley. Investment in community hospitals is crucial as they serve minor injuries, stroke care and provide beds for the community. Integration of health and social care to reduce hospital admissions is essential.
Henley and Thame
The Government’s new hospital programme delays rebuilding the Royal Berkshire Hospital until the 2040s, impacting patients and staff. Long-serving NHS workers face outdated infrastructure leading to cancellations due to power cuts and water issues. Inaction will waste carefully laid plans for relocation.
Sarah Dyke
LD
Glastonbury and Somerton
A former nurse with 40 years’ experience described a harrowing hospital visit involving long waits in unsuitable conditions, highlighting the impact of poor infrastructure on patient care. This situation demands urgent major capital investment to improve NHS facilities.
Aylesbury
Kyrke-Smith praised Labour for delivering on commitments while emphasising the improvements made by the current Government to the NHS. She discussed the progress in providing more appointments and timely treatments, as well as the importance of integrating primary and secondary care to better serve communities.
Lincoln Jopp
Con
Spelthorne
Jopp questioned Kyrke-Smith about the impact of increased employer national insurance contributions on GP growth provision.
Ely and East Cambridgeshire
Cane highlighted the issue of asbestos in hospitals, the challenges faced by rural GPs, and the need for proper facilities to serve growing communities. She also emphasised the importance of well-maintained major hospitals.
Calder Valley
Fenton-Glynn discussed the challenges inherited from previous governments, including under-investment and the need for a holistic approach to healthcare reform. He emphasised shifts towards community care, prevention, and digital systems.
Lisa Smart
LD
Hazel Grove
Agrees with Alex Brewer's concerns about hospital infrastructure, highlighting the need for investment in Stepping Hill Hospital which requires £134 million of repairs. Considers health and wealth to be two sides of the same coin.
Mark Ferguson
Lab
Gateshead Central and Whickham
Defends Labour's record on NHS investment, noting that the government has allocated £13.6 billion in the last budget for NHS capital expenditure. Criticises Liberal Democrats for opportunism and short-term memory regarding previous financial challenges faced by the NHS.
Helen Morgan
Lab
North Shropshire
Responds to Ferguson, suggesting that government lacks imagination in addressing hospital needs despite criticism from opposition. Emphasises the need for support and resources for NHS staff.
Torbay
Describes challenges faced by Torbay Hospital, including poor infrastructure with over 700 sewage leaks and only 6% of hospital in A1 standard. Criticises cuts to out-of-hours coronary care services which could increase response times for critical patients.
South Devon
Supports Darling's concerns, particularly regarding the impact of merging coronary care services with Exeter, potentially increasing ambulance response times to up to 45 minutes in some areas. Urges reconsideration of this decision.
Charlie Dewhirst
Con
Bridlington and The Wolds
Charlie Dewhirst agrees that the new hospital programme is one part of a larger solution. He suggests utilising under-utilised facilities such as Bridlington district hospital and Alfred Bean hospital in Driffield more effectively by bringing back community services, thus reducing pressure on hospitals like Princess Alexandra.
Epsom and Ewell
Helen Maguire highlights the crisis in the NHS, where crumbling hospitals compromise patient safety and staff morale. She mentions that over 600 operations have been cancelled due to infrastructure issues at Epsom and St Helier university hospitals NHS trust. Helen calls for urgent investment and prioritisation of construction for a new specialist emergency care hospital alongside modernising existing facilities.
Luke Taylor
Con
Luke Taylor agrees with Helen Maguire's points, citing an example where an immunosuppressed patient had to wait 54 hours in A&E at St Helier due to infrastructure failures. He stresses the need for a proper rescue package to prevent further risks to patients.
Julie Minns
Lab
Carlisle
Julie Minns advocates for buildings that are safe and suitable for NHS staff and patients, criticising under-investment by previous governments. She praises the current Labour Government's capital spending and funding for urgent treatment centres, citing a new £12 million centre approved in December.
James Wild
Con
North West Norfolk
James Wild discusses his campaign for a new hospital at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, which has faced delays and challenges. He supports the current Government's commitment to funding but expresses concern over the delayed start date of 2032-33, advocating for faster progress on construction.
Sean Woodcock
Lab
Banbury
Critiqued the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition's health policy, highlighting issues like under-resourced mental health services, downgraded maternity units, and fragmented care. Called for a better-coordinated system with more local care options.
Emphasised that promising to build hospitals in the future is meaningless without realistic plans or funds to deliver them.
Eastbourne
Fought for the return of consultant-led maternity services at Eastbourne District General Hospital. Raised concerns about building maintenance backlogs and called for a review of wave 4 position in the hospital programme.
Matt Turmaine
Lab
Watford
Recounted the Liberal Democrats' role in austerity measures that delayed Watford's new hospital. Emphasised Labour's responsibility to finance and deliver a new hospital after 14 years of delay.
Ben Obese-Jecty
Con
Huntingdon
Focused on Hinchingbrooke hospital, stressing the need for clarity regarding timeframe and road upgrades. Raised concerns about RAAC panels and requested assurances that constituents will not find themselves in a condemned building by 2030.
Lisa Smart
LD
Hazel Grove
Wrote to the Secretary of State about Stepping Hill hospital’s state, highlighting buildings deemed unsafe and a £130 million repairs backlog. Emphasised patient experiences, including overcrowded areas, flooding corridors, and structural failures like light fittings falling during labour.
South Devon
Welcomed the Minister’s comments on a realistic hospital building strategy but criticised delays for Torbay hospital. Highlighted the £53.6 million maintenance backlog, urgent threats to safety like sewage leaks and inadequate temperature control in operating theatres.
Clive Jones
LD
Wokingham
Declared interest as a governor of Royal Berkshire Hospital; criticised Conservative Government for delaying the new hospital construction by seven years. Emphasised £102 million maintenance backlog and staff concerns about additional £300 million needed.
Winchester
Discussed similar problems in hospitals, including leaking roofs and outdated facilities like lifts failing. Highlighted risks to patient safety during power cuts due to lack of back-up generators.
Ben Spencer
LD
Taunton Deane
The NHS faces significant issues such as faulty buildings and roof repairs, leading to health risks for patients and staff. The cost of inaction is higher than the initial repair costs. There are cross-party agreements on the importance of primary care, mental health, and public health services. Urging the government to reverse delays in hospital construction and set out a 10-year investment plan.
Hampshire North-East
The NHS faces significant infrastructure issues that cost taxpayers more over time due to delayed repairs. Highlighting the failure of the coalition government and urging for cross-party talks on social care, as well as immediate release of committed funds for hospital construction.
Karin Smyth
Lab
Gateshead Central and Whickham
The NHS is facing significant challenges due to underinvestment in capital budgets over the past 14 years. The government acknowledges the issue but emphasises that it was exacerbated by previous coalition partners, who imposed austerity measures while in power.
The Minister
Con
Chris Philp
Minister stated that schemes are prioritised into upper, middle and lower thirds based on analysis and aligned with funding. He acknowledged the loss of resources in low-income areas but emphasised the systematic approach to Hospital 2.0, aiming to save taxpayer money through economies of scale and technology support for staff. He committed to visiting constituencies and meeting MPs regarding wave 1 and 2 projects.
Mitcham and Morden
Critiqued the approach, highlighting loss of resources in her constituency. Emphasised need to reverse this trend as part of a ten-year plan.
Chris Curtis
Con
Milton Keynes North
Asked about adherence to Hospital 2.0 scheme, receiving confirmation that the Government abides by it for systematic and centralised approach.
Robin Swann
DUP
South Antrim
Discussed Northern Ireland's benefits from Barnett consequentials but noted particular problems due to devolution and need for alternative means.
Government Response
The Minister criticised the previous Government's New Hospital Programme as unfunded and unrealistic. He highlighted that the programme lacked a credible plan, there was insufficient construction capacity in the UK to meet deadlines, and funds were due to run out without future provision. The current government is working on reviewing the programme to ensure it is sustainable and has announced new fiscal rules preventing cannibalisation of capital budgets. Defends the new Labour programme as credible and affordable, based on facts rather than fantasy. Announces a five-year investment wave backed by up to £15 billion over consecutive five years from 2030 onwards. Reaffirms commitment to rebuild trust with constituents through realistic timelines and sustainable funding. Government is actively addressing social care through legislative measures, home adaptations funding, carer’s allowance increases, training care workers in new technologies and AI, investing record capital into healthcare, and recruiting more GPs. It also acknowledges the financial challenges inherited from previous governments and emphasises fiscal responsibility. The Government acknowledges the NHS's crumbling state and commits to addressing the backlog of repairs. The Chancellor has allocated over £4 billion for operational capital this year, including a £750 million targeted estate safety fund. Unlike previous governments, we will not raid capital budgets for day-to-day spending, and have updated fiscal rules to prevent such practices. Minister defended the systematic approach of Hospital 2.0, stating it aims to save taxpayer money through economies of scale while driving innovation and laying foundations for a new relationship between government and industry. Acknowledged previous Government's responsibility and highlighted improvements made since July.
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