Hospital Building Programme

All four of my children were born at Leighton Hospital, which is in my constituency. I hope the building programme will give staff an environment they deserve to deliver world-class healthcare.

I support my hon. Friend's campaign for additional resources and funding for Leighton Hospital, noting that due to house-building in our constituencies, the number of people seeking services from Leighton is only going to increase.

Mr James Wild discussed the dire need for modernisation of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, which serves 300,000 people across three counties. He highlighted structural issues with RAAC planks and a risk to life and safety due to potential catastrophic roof failure. The hospital requires replacement due to its layout not meeting current care pathways and having significant structural deficiencies.

Ms Mortimer highlighted health inequalities in Hartlepool, where residents are twice as likely to die from the virus compared to wealthier areas. She pointed out that North Tees hospital is crumbling and needs replacement by 2030. Life expectancy in Hartlepool is significantly below the national average due to higher rates of cancer, depression, asthma, obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Healthcare services have been shrinking over the past decade, forcing residents to travel long distances for urgent or specialist treatment. Made points about health inequalities, role of infrastructure and staff in tackling inequalities, invited Minister to visit her constituency and trust. Advocated for the need for a new hospital.

Discussed the need for transparency in criteria for hospital investment decisions, questioned the Prime Minister's claim of building 48 new hospitals, and raised concerns about cost limitations on projects and inflationary pressures. Emphasised the importance of tackling the maintenance backlog and workforce shortages. Inquired if the sum announced in the spending review was additional to previously announced funding and expressed gratitude for the Minister's attempt to answer questions.

She congratulated the Minister on progressing plans to build 40 new hospitals by 2030 and upgrade more than 70 others. She noted that Basingstoke's hospital, built in the 1970s, is nearing the end of its useful life due to population growth and ageing demographics. Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust welcomed the Prime Minister's announcements about funding for new hospitals and was pleased with the inclusion of their project in HIP2. The trust aims to start building from 2025. Appreciated the Minister's agreement to visit Basingstoke and asked for clarity on timelines for developing business cases and starting hospital construction in 2025. Also, raised concerns about maintenance issues at hospitals built in the 1970s.

I support the case being made by Cheshire MPs for investment in a first-class hospital facility. This project has cross-party support and would benefit my constituency as well. He thanked Maria Miller for her remarks and highlighted the importance of securing investment across multiple hospital campuses served by his constituents in Mid Cheshire. He welcomed support on this issue from a neighbouring MP. Called for an assessment and conclusion on the two campuses for Warrington and Halton trust scheme that meets the criteria mentioned.

Mike Penning expressed concerns about the closure of Hemel Hempstead Hospital and the decision to refurbish Watford hospital instead of building a new one on a greenfield site. He highlighted that his constituency is facing significant population growth, with 20,000 new homes planned within the next 15 years, making it crucial to have adequate healthcare facilities. He cautioned about the way costs are calculated under the Treasury Green Book, noting that inflation and risk factors can inflate projected costs. He mentioned his experience as Roads Minister and used the example of a £500 million project being actually around £420 million in build cost. Stressed the need for a greenfield site hospital rather than refurbishment in Watford and expressed readiness to slip out of HIP 1 if necessary. Also, asked for communication regarding emails sent to Natalie Forrest.

Mr Moore highlighted the severe structural issues at Airedale hospital, including the presence of aerated concrete panels which account for 83% of the building's structure. He stated that the hospital suffers from frequent leaks due to its flat roof design, and warned about potential collapse risks as more panels reach their risk deflection level. The MP also noted that a temporary closure would impact over 45,000 referrals and diagnostic tests. Mr Moore supported the Airedale trust's bid for one of eight additional new hospitals and urged the Minister to visit the hospital to understand its urgent needs. Asked the Minister about how the final eight will be decided and whether structural risk profile would be a key consideration.

Highlighted challenges faced by his trust due to an old building that has exceeded its intended lifetime and issues with RAAC planks. Emphasized the need for a new hospital at Airedale.