Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn

23 March 2022 · 2 other contributors · 4,642 words

Opened by James Wild Con North West Norfolk

Responding minister: Edward Argar

NHS

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

James Wild raised concerns about queen elizabeth hospital, king’s lynn in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn has structural issues including the use of RAAC planks, posing a significant risk to life.
  • The hospital has recently improved its CQC rating to 'good' in three domains but still faces infrastructure challenges with 79% of buildings containing RAAC planks.
  • The MP requests the Government to include QEH in the new hospital schemes and expedite the selection process and funding for the hospital's bid.

Key requests to Government

The MP urges the Government to include Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn as one of the eight new hospital schemes, and requests a decision on the shortlisting of these hospitals. The MP also asks for rapid progress on the selection process and funding for QEH's bid, which includes £18 million for an orthopaedic centre.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

James Wild Con North West Norfolk

The hospital in Norfolk is in a poor situation and clearly needs rebuilding. The building conditions are affecting the confidence of patients in the care received, as highlighted by Jerome Mayhew with his question about ceiling maintenance using acrow props. The MP is concerned about the structural issues affecting Queen Elizabeth Hospital, including the presence of RAAC planks which pose a significant risk to life. The hospital has been in special measures but recent improvements have led to it being rated 'good' by the CQC in three domains: caring, well led and effective. However, QEH's ageing infrastructure is problematic with 79% of buildings containing RAAC planks and 470 steel and timber supports across 56 parts of the hospital. The risk of catastrophic failure remains a concern, especially after the critical care unit had to close due to safety issues last year.

Other contributors (2)
  • Duncan Baker Con North Norfolk

    Thanked James Wild for securing the debate and raising awareness of the hospital's need for rebuilding. He highlighted that a new hospital at QEH would benefit all over Norfolk, particularly in his constituency. Does the Minister know that the Queen Elizabeth Hospital was named after the Queen Mother? As it is Queen Elizabeth's platinum jubilee this year, does he agree that it would be a fitting tribute to give the green light to rebuilding a hospital that is named after her mother?

  • Jerome Mayhew Con Broadland and Fakenham

    Added support to James Wild's motion, emphasising the hospital's importance as a regional centre of excellence for multiple constituencies. Asked about the impact on patient confidence when care is provided in an unstable building.

Government Response

Edward Argar

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Hosie, and to respond to this debate, which was secured by my hon. Friend the Member for North West Norfolk (James Wild), about the quality of care and the estate at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King's Lynn. The Government are backing our NHS with a significant capital settlement that will create a step change in the quality and efficiency of care up and down the country, including in Norfolk. An initial £3.7 billion has been provided over a four-year period to deliver 48 new hospitals by 2030, with six already in construction and one completed. The minister also highlighted the Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust's recent funding of £5 million for an eye care unit and endoscopy unit, and £2.65 million for emergency department expansion works. He confirmed that the trust was awarded £20.7 million to address immediate risks posed by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). The minister stated that a longlist of schemes will be identified from submitted expressions of interest for the next eight new hospitals and announced later in the year, acknowledging the need for speed but emphasizing the importance of fair and rigorous assessment. He mentioned significant improvements in governance, leadership, and culture at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital since recent CQC inspections in December 2021 and January 2022. The minister welcomed the commitment given to ensure that these improvements are sustainable and embedded. Elective recovery is an area of focus, with a commitment to eradicate waits of longer than a year for elective care by March 2025, aiming to deliver around 30% more elective activity by 2024-25 than before the pandemic. The minister also discussed pressures on ambulance services and support in place to address handover delays.

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