“We are pleased that the Government has once again confirmed that Airedale Hospital will be built at pace due to the risks posed for both patients and staff, following its review into the national New Hospital Programme (NHP).
“Secretary of State for Health Wes Streeting announced the findings of the review yesterday (January 20). As one of the seven hospitals with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) levels regarded as critical, it was recognised in September last year that Airedale’s new hospital programme needed to proceed due to the risks posed for both patients and staff. It was again confirmed in the announcement that Airedale Hospital will be built at pace to ensure we can continue to deliver services for our local population.
“The Secretary of State said that the NHP will now be delivered in a phased approach, with consecutive waves of investment. It was confirmed that Airedale and the other RAAC hospitals will be in wave 1, which will start construction between 2025 and 2030, along with a cost estimate of £1 billion to £1.5 billion, recognising the need to completely rebuild the hospital. You can read more about the announcement on the Government website.
“We are continuing to progress with the work needed to get ready for the hospital and develop our plans and will keep people updated on the next stages as soon as we have more information on timescales. We thank all our people, partners and communities for their support with Airedale’s new hospital programme.”
Stuart Shaw, Director of Strategy, Planning and Partnerships
