It was confirmed on Thursday last week that West Suffolk Hospital has been prioritised as one of the 40 new hospitals to be rebuilt. This is due to the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) used in the construction of the hospital, built in the 1970s. We now know that RAAC has a limited lifespan, with difficult and dangerous consequences for the people who rely on or work in those hospitals.
West Suffolk is one of the seven RAAC hospitals which will be rebuilt completely using a standardised design known as Hospital 2.0, with the aim of completing all seven by 2030. The Health Secretary confirmed last week that these new hospitals will be fully funded.
James Cartlidge MP and Jo Churchill MP visited West Suffolk on Friday to discuss the project and to witness first-hand the structural issues leading to West Suffolk’s involvement in the rebuild scheme.
James Cartlidge MP says: “I am absolutely delighted to see West Suffolk Hospital prioritised within the Government’s commitment to 40 new hospitals, with West Suffolk being rebuilt completely as a brand new hospital. It was good to visit last week with my constituency neighbour Jo Churchill MP to meet staff and to see first-hand the structural issues that they are facing, necessitating this entire rebuild. We have been lobbying for many years for improvements to the NHS in Suffolk, with news of the rebuild included in my 2019 election address – ensuring the hospital delivers high quality care for many more years to come. I am very grateful to the senior leadership team and my MP colleagues who have worked so hard to secure this investment in our locality, ensuring the creation of a fantastic new hospital serving my constituents in South Suffolk.
Jo Churchill MP says: “I am over the moon with the announcement of a new, fully funded West Suffolk Hospital. Not only are we to receive our share of Government funding, but I have also pushed to ensure that we are at the front of the queue. I know the need and the passion it takes to bring a project of this size forward. Since 2015, I have championed your need for a new hospital. Our hospital and staff are special and Bury has always offered excellent care. Now we can look forward to this being delivered in world-class facilities as we are first in line, serving as an exemplar hospital for others to follow. It was a pleasure to celebrate this announcement by welcoming the Secretary of State, Steve Barclay MP on Thursday and South Suffolk MP, James Cartlidge on Friday to Bury for a tour of the site, where they had the opportunity to meet with hospital staff and learn more about the plans from Chief Executive Ewen Cameron and Programme Director Gary Norgate. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together so far, the team have been a shining example of how to deliver at every stage. Through our passion and persistent efforts in conveying the local need to the government, the local council, and other stakeholders, we have made significant progress. With just a few steps to go, I look forward to breaking ground and working to deliver world-class healthcare for all at our new West Suffolk Hospital.”
