Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay MP, visited Airedale Hospital yesterday (Thursday 8 June), following the recent announcement that the site, near Keighley in West Yorkshire, has been added to the government’s New Hospital Programme. This is part of the government’s manifesto commitment to build 40 new hospitals in England by 2030.
During his visit he met the estates team who gave him a tour of the site to see first-hand the extent of the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) issues and explain the structural and logistical challenges they face, until the new build is complete.
The Secretary of State spent time talking to staff on ward 10, an elderly medicine ward: just one of the clinical areas where props are being used to support the RAAC-affected areas. He heard from nurse leaders about the challenges of delivering care in such an environment and who shared their excitement about the much-welcomed plans for the new hospital.
Airedale is one of seven hospitals with RAAC issues that will be prioritised in the New Hospital Programme, five of which, including Airedale, were announced on to the programme on May 25. The Government reiterated their commitment to delivering all schemes announced as part of the New Hospital Programme, which is now expected to represent over £20 billion of investment in new hospital infrastructure.
The programme is part of a more sustainable, consistent approach to delivering state-of-the-art new hospitals for staff and patients, meaning they can be built more quickly and at a reduced cost, providing value for taxpayers. As a result, patients and staff will benefit from modern hospital design making use of the latest technology, digital innovation, and sustainability to improve patient experience and provide a better working environment for staff.
During the visit he also met with a group of staff members who chatted to him about a range of topics, including the exciting prospect of a new hospital and the recent NHS pay deal. Jodie Hearnshaw, Manager of Airedale Hospital & Community Charity said:
“It was great to be able to talk openly with the Secretary of State, covering subjects from digital inequalities to the challenges we face with our buildings, and to share with him our plans for Airedale’s future.”
Accompanied by local MP Robbie Moore he also met members of the Trust Board to hear about plans for the new hospital.
Foluke Ajayi, Chief Executive of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust said:
“We are very pleased to welcome the Secretary of State today and give him the opportunity to see our hospital first-hand. We were delighted with the announcement that we are on the New Hospital Programme, and this was an opportunity for the Minister to hear more about our plans, and how they will benefit our communities.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:
“I’ve enjoyed meeting patients and NHS staff today to talk about our plans for rebuilding on the Airedale site as part of our commitment to deliver 40 new hospitals by 2030, backed by over £20 billion of investment in new hospital infrastructure.
“The hospital serves around 250,000 people in West and North Yorkshire and Lancashire but has substantial structural issues. We are prioritising its rebuilding through the New Hospital Programme so local patients and staff can benefit from modern facilities equipped with the latest technology.
“As we approach the 75th anniversary of the NHS this year, this extra investment will ensure Airedale Hospital can continue to care for patients for decades to come.”
