The government announced its commitment today (Thursday 25 May) to building 40 new hospitals by 2030, confirming a record investment of over £20 billion to be spent on new hospital infrastructure.
James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has received confirmation that it will receive full funding to be completely rebuilt by 2030. The James Paget is one of the seven hospitals affected by the deterioration of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) materials, which have been prioritised within today’s announcement.
The NHS has asked the government to prioritise the rebuilding of these hospitals – including The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn - given the risks they pose to patients and staff, the full extent of which has come to light since the New Hospital Programme was first announced in 2020.
The James Paget, along with West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds, were already announced as part of the New Hospital Programme in 2020, and the construction of these major new hospitals will be prioritised to ensure patient and staff safety.
Patients and staff will also benefit from modern hospital design making use of the latest technology, digital innovation and sustainability to improve overall patient experience and provide a better working environment for staff.
Jo Segasby, Chief Executive of the James Paget, said: “The Trust is pleased to hear confirmation of government funding for the new hospital programme, and for the prioritisation of the rebuild of our hospital. We are delighted to be a significant step closer to our vision of a modern hospital that will meet the needs of our patients and communities in the future.”
Mark Flynn, Director of Strategic Projects, said: “Our team have been working closely with staff across the Trust to listen to their views in developing plans for our new hospital, alongside the views of our patients and communities. Now that we have a confirmation from government about the new hospital programme, we can work towards our vision of ‘Building a Healthier Future Together’.”
The Trust is working hard to ensure its hospital remains safe for patients and staff, while planning for a new hospital continues. The James Paget opened its new 28-bed Concept Ward on 25 May, which enables the continuation of failsafe works on RAAC areas to keep the site safe for patients, staff and visitors.
Find out more about the James Paget’s New Hospital Programme here: https://www.jpaget.nhs.uk/about-us/strategies-policies/our-new-hospital/