James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has received approval of its Strategic Outline Case (SOC), a significant milestone in planning for its new hospital as part of the Government’s New Hospital Programme.
Following its meeting on 19 February, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) Joint Investment Committee has given conditional approval to the James Paget SOC, the first stage business case that establishes the importance of the new hospital, and how the scheme will be delivered.
James Paget Hospital is one of the hospitals constructed using Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) being prioritised for rebuilding by the Government, alongside The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn.
Both schemes for the new hospitals have recently been brought together in a single, unified programme for Norfolk and Waveney University Hospital’s Group. The QEH had the SOC for its new hospital plans approved in October 2025.
Jo Segasby, Group Chief Delivery Officer and Senior Responsible Owner for the Group’s New Hospital programme, said: “We are pleased that James Paget Hospital has joined QEH in having its Strategic Outline Case approved by the Department of Health and Social Care, which allows our joint programme to move on to the next stage of planning.”
“Our new hospitals will be among the most modern and digitally advanced hospitals in Europe and will help us deliver the best care for our patients and communities in the future.”
“We are ensuring that the next stage reflects analysis of the current and future health needs of our local population, emerging patterns of hospital use and demand, and the growing impact of rapidly advancing digital medical technologies.”
Jonathan Gardner, Executive Managing Director of the James Paget Hospital, said: “This is a vital step forward for our ambitious plans for a new hospital, and recognises the significant amount of work that has gone into planning so far.
“Thanks to all of our colleagues and partners that have helped develop our vision for ‘Future Paget’, and for their support as we continue to develop and refine our plans.”
Minister of State for Health and Social Care, Karin Smyth said: “Today marks a major step forward for patients and staff across Norfolk. Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete has no place in NHS hospitals, which is why facilities like James Paget have been prioritised for rebuilding.
“We inherited a New Hospital Programme that was unfunded and undeliverable, but this government is now providing the modern facilities communities deserve. This new site will be one of the most technologically advanced hospitals in the country, helping staff deliver world-class care for decades to come.
“This is part of our 10 Year Health Plan to build an NHS fit for the future - with cutting-edge facilities that will transform patient care across Norfolk.”
Both the James Paget and The Queen Elizabeth’s New Hospital schemes have commenced work on the Outline Business Case stage of planning, which requires detailed designs and costing plans for the new builds. Both new hospitals are expected to open to patients in 2032/33.