This week the Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group formally signed an Alliance Agreement with the national New Hospital Programme (NHP) marking a major milestone in the delivery of two brand new hospitals in the region - the James Paget University Hospital (JPUH) in Gorleston and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in King’s Lynn.
This agreement, linking the national programme and their delivery partners with the Group, sets out how these parties will work together to bring the two new hospitals to life, paving the way for the next phase of the development for these essential schemes.
The document sets the foundation for collaborative working to deliver both Norfolk hospitals, one in the west and one in the east, establishing clear roles and responsibilities, shared principles, and a commitment to joint decision-making in the best interests of the programme.
Lesley Dwyer, Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group CEO, said: “Signing the Alliance Agreement is a significant step forward in delivering the two new hospitals our patients, staff and community deserve. It’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our region’s healthcare.”
The Alliance Agreement will ensure a unified approach to planning, design, and construction. The hospitals will be built using modern methods of construction, supporting sustainable design, digital innovation, and exceptional patient care environments.
Both The QEH and JPUH are Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) hospitals, meaning they have been prioritised for rebuild by the Government programme.
Morag Stuart, Chief Programme Officer for the New Hospital Programme, said: “The signing of the Alliance Agreement by Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group is a major step forward for the New Hospital Programme. Through our Hospital 2.0 approach, we’re transforming how hospitals are designed, built, operated and maintained — delivering faster, greener, digitally enabled hospitals. The Alliance Agreement provides the framework for NHS England, trusts and suppliers to collaborate and make joint decisions, helping us deliver two new hospitals for the region and lasting benefits for staff, patients and the wider economy.”
Construction is expected to begin on both new hospitals building in 2028 after enabling works on both sites have been completed.
You can find out more about the James Paget programme by clicking here.