The Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed that, as one of the seven hospitals with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), James Paget Hospital’s plans for a new hospital will proceed at pace, and is not one of the schemes under review at the request of the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
James Paget Hospital is one of the seven hospitals affected by the deterioration of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) materials, which have been announced as outside of the scope of the review of the national New Hospital Programme.
James Paget Hospital, along with The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn and West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds, will continue to proceed with planning for the construction of these major new hospitals, which will be prioritised to ensure patient and staff safety.
Jo Segasby, Chief Executive of the James Paget, said: “This announcement is a further step forward for our hospital, and for people living towards the east of Norfolk and Waveney, confirming that we will have a new Hospital for our communities, and the patients of the future.”
“It also provides reassurance that we have long-term plans to address the RAAC construction issues that our estates team have worked tirelessly to make safe across our current site, and allow services to continue while planning and construction of our new hospital takes place.”
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 a revised ‘masterplan’ for our new hospital, alongside the views of our patients and communities, and we will continue this engagement following today’s announcement.”
Tracey Bleakley, Chief Executive of NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, said: “This is really welcome news for residents of Norfolk and Waveney, as well as for the staff who work at both hospitals. Rebuilding the hospitals is an important part of our plan for improving the care we provide to local people, alongside investing in primary and community care. Changes of this scale do not happen often, to make the most of the money and the opportunity it is essential that we also look at how we care for people and what we can do better. We look forward to working with local people as we further develop our plans.”
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 in May 2023, which enables the continuation of failsafe works on RAAC areas to keep the site safe for patients, staff and visitors. The hospital also opened its new Community Diagnostic Centre in July 2024, and will open additional diagnostic facilities and new orthopaedic theatre space later in the year – buildings which will be retained and utilised within plans for the new hospital.
Find out more about the James Paget’s New Hospital Programme here: https://www.jpaget.nhs.uk/about-us/strategies-policies/our-new-hospital/