New Hospital Programme 2025-11-25
2025-11-25
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP referenced the Health Secretary's promise to rebuild Princess Alexandra hospital in Harlow and support for the Whipps Won’t Wait campaign. He also mentioned that both hospitals face high maintenance costs, with Whipps Cross having an estimated £170 million backlog.
As my constituency neighbour knows, constituents rely on Princess Alexandra hospital and Whipps Cross in Leytonstone. Before the election, he promised to rebuild Princess Alexandra, supported Whipps Won’t Wait, yet under Labour both must wait. With Whipps Cross facing an estimated £170 million backlog, does the Health Secretary agree that rising maintenance costs must be considered when prioritising the new hospital programme?
What the hon. Gentleman says is astonishing: no money was allocated by his Government beyond last March to the new hospital programme. The Conservatives need to be honest with their constituents, as our government took hold of the programme and put it on a sustainable footing, delivering maximum value for taxpayers.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address rising maintenance costs directly or provide any specific commitment regarding prioritisation
Changed Subject
Criticised Previous Government
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Frimley Park hospital is in wave 1 of the new hospital programme, with construction expected to start in 2028-29. The MP's constituents are concerned about potential delays and safety issues related to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).
Frimley Park hospital is part of wave 1 of the new hospital programme, with construction set for 2028-29. Constituents are concerned about possible delays and RAAC-related issues. Will the Minister confirm that construction will begin no later than 2029?
The hon. Gentleman is a campaigner for Royal Berkshire and now Frimley Park hospitals. We are on target with RAAC schemes, proposals from local integrated care boards are progressing to plan, and we look forward to further discussions.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm the specific timeline for construction start date
Changed Subject
Referred To Ongoing Processes
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP's constituents face delays in rebuilding Royal Preston hospital and a six-month closure of Longridge community hospital for safety upgrades. The Government’s 10-year health plan promotes shifting services to community settings.
My constituents are impacted by delays at Royal Preston hospital and the closure of Longridge community hospital for safety upgrades. Given the shift towards neighbourhood health services, can the Minister confirm that integrated care boards will keep community hospitals open? Will she support completing essential repairs quickly?
Local people value long-standing facilities. We are committed to reversing capital investment decline under the previous government, and we support moving towards neighbourhood health services closer to homes. Further discussions will be held with the MP and her constituents.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm specific directions for ICBs regarding community hospitals
Referred To General Commitment
Promised Further Discussion
Response accuracy