Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

New Hospital Programme

Tuesday 25 November 2025 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Dr Neil Hudson questioned the government's commitment to rebuilding Princess Alexandra hospital and supporting Whipps Cross, citing previous promises made before the election.
  • Clive Jones inquired about potential delays in the construction of Frimley Park hospital, part of wave 1 of the new hospital programme, seeking assurance that construction will start by 2029.
  • Maya Ellis raised concerns over delays at Royal Preston hospital and the closure of Longridge community hospital, asking for assurance that integrated care boards will maintain community hospitals as part of the shift towards neighbourhood health services.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest
NHS
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.

Question

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?

Answer from The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address rising maintenance costs directly or provide any specific commitment regarding prioritisation

How: Changed Subject, Criticised Previous Government

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Clive Jones Lib Dem Wokingham
NHS
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).

Question

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?

Answer from The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm the specific timeline for construction start date

How: Changed Subject, Referred To Ongoing Processes

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Maya Ellis Lab Ribble Valley
NHS
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.

Question

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?

Answer from The Minister for Secondary Care (Karin Smyth)

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm specific directions for ICBs regarding community hospitals

How: Referred To General Commitment, Promised Further Discussion

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email