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WSFT confirmed to receive funding to re-build West Suffolk Hospital
Our Trust is delighted to hear the Government has committed to prioritising the replacement of hospitals containing RAAC, including West Suffolk Hospital based in Bury St Edmunds. This takes us one step closer to delivering a new West Suffolk Hospital.
The announcement was made in parliament ahead of a visit to West Suffolk Hospital by Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP. It will mean construction of the new hospital, which is to be built on the adjacent Hardwick Manor site, can continue with greater certainty.
Ewen Cameron, chief executive of West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted to hear of the Government’s commitment to replacing hospitals, like ours in West Suffolk, containing RAAC. Whilst our estates team have been doing a superb job in maintaining the ageing estate of our existing hospital, it is vital for us to be able to replace the hospital site as soon as possible. This announcement is a giant step towards making that a reality and means that we can continue with our plans with more certainty. As well as making our buildings state of the art and equipped to deliver modern healthcare, a new hospital will allow us to significantly improve the experience of our patients and staff, which is fit for future generations of west Suffolk residents.”
Gary Norgate, the WSFT Future System programme director, who is leading the plans for the new healthcare facility said: “We are thrilled to be able to secure our plans for a new hospital, which is so vital for our staff, patients and community. This is a once in a lifetime project and we genuinely want to continue to work with those who this will impact the most. I urge people to get involved and join us on the journey to bring this new hospital to fruition – our new home for future generations of patients and our workforce of today and tomorrow.”
Jo Churchill, Member of Parliament for Bury St Edmunds said: “I am over the moon with today’s announcement of a new fully funded West Suffolk Hospital. I intend to continue to play my part in helping to ensure we get the hospital we need, located at the heart of our community. With just a few steps to go, I look forward to breaking ground and working to deliver world-class healthcare for all in our new West Suffolk Hospital.”
Matt Hancock MP, Member of Parliament for West Suffolk said: “I’m absolutely delighted the Government has strengthened its commitment to rebuild West Suffolk Hospital. It’s a brilliant local hospital and much loved in the community. The investment is much needed and will mean patients and staff in West Suffolk will have access to world-class facilities right on their doorstep.
“The allocation of £20 billion to the New Hospital Programme by 2030 is amazing. I’m incredibly proud of the project and the Government’s commitment to it. It can’t wait to see the results.”
The project team will continue to prepare an outline business case and carry on working closely with the New Hospital Programme team to ensure designs and activities take full advantage of the centralised programmatic approach.
Note to editors
In 2020, West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust was confirmed as one of 40 trusts across the country to receive funding for new build projects as part of the New Hospital Programme (NHP).
The existing hospital buildings on Hardwick Lane were built in 1974 and have already long exceeded their intended 30-year life span. WSFT has invested heavily in their upkeep over recent years, but they are increasingly becoming no longer fit for purpose.
In 2022, outline planning permission was granted for the Hardwick Manor site making it the preferred site for the new hospital.
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