House of Commons · Westminster Hall
22 January 2025 · 10 other contributors · 5,381 words
Opened by Kieran Mullan Con Bexhill and Battle
Responding minister: Karin Smyth
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Kieran Mullan raised concerns about new hospital programme in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Labour party committed to deliver the new hospital programme during the 2024 election but the Health Secretary recently moved the goalposts, delaying the start date until at least 2039. The Government needs to reflect on its part in creating this situation and provide a realistic timeline for delivering these projects.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The previous Government announced the New Hospital Programme which included rebuilding Eastbourne district general hospital, reorganising Conquest hospital, and upgrading Bexhill community hospital. However, progress was delayed due to the pandemic and inflationary pressures from the war in Ukraine.
Welcomed the news that Treliske and Derriford hospitals are in wave 1 but expressed concern for North Devon's crumbling district hospital, potentially 15 years from rebuild.
The local hospital in Harlow faces issues beyond just funding, including uncompleted land purchase and business plans. The idea of completing the project by 2030 was unrealistic.
Declared his interest as a governor of the Royal Berkshire hospital and mentioned that family members have shares in a medical company. Criticised the Government's decision to push back the start date for construction at the Royal Berks to 2037, which would disappoint patients and staff.
Welcomed the new leadership's transparency but highlighted previous issues with Hillingdon hospital funding, now renewed for more than £1 billion. Emphasised the difficulty in maintaining relationships with local trusts while implementing changes.
Noted a communication from the trust about potential extra costs due to delays, in the hundreds of millions.
Paid tribute to NHS staff work but disagreed with Dr Mullan's assessment of the situation. Noted that when Labour came into office, it found out that funding for a new hospital had run out due to lack of budgeting by the Conservative Government. Acknowledged confirmation of funding for Conquest hospital and thanked Chancellor’s announcement for NHS support.
Acknowledged concerns about delays in North Devon and offered to meet Ben Maguire to discuss expanding care at community hospitals.
Congratulated Dr Mullan on securing this debate and shared disappointment that Watford general is now not likely to start construction until 2032 at the earliest, due to high draft costs ranging from £1.5 billion to £2 billion.
For Watford General Hospital, there is uncertainty about the two-year window between 2032 and 2034. The MP seeks assurances that there will be no further delays.
Asked about the programme for implementing changes to improve hospital conditions, highlighting the need for a coherent plan.
Government Response
Karin SmythThe Minister for Secondary Care
We now have a realistic plan to deliver new hospitals with five-year waves of investment backed by £15 billion over consecutive waves, averaging £3 billion a year. The delivery plan sets out the order and waves in which each hospital will be constructed. For East Sussex, construction for the new hospital scheme is scheduled between 2037 and 2039. We understand this delay is disappointing but assure constituents that there are now credible dates for delivery. Acknowledged the concerns raised and emphasised ongoing commitment to transparency and delivery of hospital schemes. Emphasised that despite challenges, an affordable plan is in place with pre-construction work built into timing. Offered assurance on communication regarding any further delays.