Norfolk hospitals rebuild decision welcomed

There were fears the rebuilds could be delayed or scrapped

Hospital bosses have welcomed the news that seven hospitals affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) will be rebuilt.

They include The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn and James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston.

The government said the work would "proceed at pace due to the substantive safety risks".

More details of which hospital projects will and will not be reconsidered have been published.

Thousands of props are holding up walls and ceilings at the QEH

Queen Elizabeth Hospital has been particularly badly impacted by failing RAAC concrete, with some clinical spaces having to be closed for safety reasons.

Alice Webster, the CEO, said the rebuild was "fantastic news" for patients, staff and the wider community.

"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," she said.

The news has been welcomed by MPs of all colours who have campaigned for improvements.

Conservative MP for North West Norfolk James Wild, whose constituency includes the QEH, said: "It is very welcome news for patients and staff the government has listened to concerns about the QEH and finally agreed this scheme will proceed at pace so we have the new facility we need."

QEH chief executive Alice Webster said the news was a significant step forward

Labour's Terry Jermy, MP for neighbouring South West Norfolk, said: "I am delighted the new Labour government has recognised the scale of the challenge and made the money available, despite the poor state of our public finances."

Jo Segasby, chief executive of the James Paget, welcomed that her hospital was being prioritised by the government.

"The announcement also provides reassurance that we have long-term plans to address the RAAC construction issues that our estates team have worked tirelessly to make safe across our current site, and allow services to continue while planning and construction of our new hospital takes place," she said.

The target is for the new hospitals to be open in 2030.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed the new hospital programme was part of her spending audit shortly after Labour won power in July.

Twenty-five hospital rebuild projects remain in the audit and might not be rebuilt.

The James Paget Hospital in Gorleston is also affected by RAAC and in line for a rebuild