Yesterday, Health Minister Karin Smyth confirmed that £1.4bn of funding for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) would be made available for its refurbishment.
This announcement represents a significant turning point in efforts to build a new, cutting-edge, technologically advanced hospital of the future for both patients and employees.
Terry Jermy MP, Member of Parliament for South West Norfolk, said, “This is very welcome news for my constituents and the whole of West Norfolk. I know how crucial this rebuild is and have been lobbying the government to ensure we move as quickly as possible to get the modern hospital that patients and staff deserve.
“For years we’ve been let down with false promises from the Tories. The QEH was left off the new hospital programme for too long and even when it was added at the last minute, there was no money to back up the hollow words.
“Securing the rebuild of the QEH and other health improvements locally will always be my number priority as the Member of Parliament for South West Norfolk. Labour are rebuilding the NHS to ensure it is fit for purpose after 14 years of Tory mismanagement.”
Health secretary Wes Streeting said: “Patients have endured years of broken promises, so I am delighted this government is getting work under way on world class hospital developments in Gorleston and King’s Lynn.
“This is a significant moment for patients and healthcare in the region. We are committed to delivering the modern facilities our NHS needs to provide the highest quality care.”
Alice Webster, chief executive of the QEH, added: “We know just how much the QEH means to the surrounding community and this announcement will be welcomed by all those connected with the hospital. “We now look forward to pressing ahead with the design phase of our new hospital.”
The QEH is one of seven hospitals across the UK on the Government’s fast track programme for new hospitals given the extent of RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) present in the building.
Around 79% of the roof and walls of The QEH, which was built in 1980, is made of light weight pre-cast planks. More than 6,500 steel and timber support props have been installed across 56 areas of the hospital to maintain the safety of the structure.
