Hospital Re-Build Projects Delayed

Hospital bosses have expressed ‘disappointment’ major re-build projects are facing delay.

Kettering General Hospital along with Leicester General and Leicester Royal Infirmary were included in the previous government’s pledge to build 40 new hospitals by 2030.

The plan stalled when Labour gained power and ordered a review of funding and viability.

It has now been announced construction at each site will not begin until between 2032 and 2034.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has blamed delays to the roll-out on the previous government’s plans which were ‘undeliverable and unaffordable’ and he spoke in the House of Commons:

Kettering General Hospital

Richard Mitchell, Chief Executive of the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, said: “While we recognise the financial challenges, we are clearly disappointed by this most recent decision to delay critical and long-awaited investment in healthcare for the people of Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.

“It is too soon to fully understand the impact on our local plans, however we are determined to deliver the transformation our hospitals desperately need and that our communities and colleagues deserve.

“We will work closely with local and national partners to achieve this.  ”

Laura Churchward, Chief Executive of University Hospitals of Northamptonshire, said: “While we understand the New Hospitals Programme must be affordable, we are disappointed by yesterday’s decision to delay the next steps in our development programme until 2029/2030.

“This delay poses a significant challenge to our plans and the delivery of much-needed improvements for the patients and communities we serve. ”

The government has confirmed funding of up to £1.5bn will be provided for each of the re-build projects.