Funding has been secured for a new hospital to be built at the Hinchingbrooke site in Huntingdon.
Health secretary Steve Barclay officially announced the news earlier today (Thursday) in the House of Commons.
In a statement to Parliament, he said the government remained committed to the 40 new hospitals pledged by Boris Johnson in 2019.
He added that five hospitals made from so-called RAAC reinforced concrete planks would be included in the programme and rebuilt by 2030.
As well as Hinchingbrooke Hospital, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, also made the list.
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Jonathan Djanogly, MP for Huntingdon, was among the first to praise the news which he says comes “following his long and vocal campaign on the issue”.
In a statement, he said: “Today’s announcement is a hugely significant milestone in the campaign for a new Hinchingbrooke hospital to meet the needs of Huntingdonshire’s growing population.
“The existing core original buildings of Hinchingbrooke are being operated way beyond their planned lifespan, and new builds are unavoidable to keep the hospital open.
“This decision is going to dramatically improve the health and lives of thousands of my constituents. This is very good news indeed.”
He also explained funding for preparatory groundworks will be provided in the “near future” and that "discussions ongoing about the location and hospital design specifics”.
Mr Djanogly added: “I am thrilled that the Health Secretary, who as a Cambridgeshire MP himself knows the issues here very well, has listened to and taken onboard the concerns of local stakeholders.
“I know that my constituents will welcome his decisive action to grasp the nettle and deliver for residents.
“Whilst there is a long way to go until the new hospital building is open and supporting patients, I know that both I and others involved – including neighbouring Cambridgeshire MPs and the North West Anglia NHS Trust – will work closely with the Government to help ensure it is delivered on time.”
Caroline Walker is the chief executive of North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Hinchingbrooke Hospital.
She said: “This is fantastic news not only for our local communities regarding their future health services, but also for our staff, who have been working hard to deliver quality care from buildings that have not been up to standard for many years.”
Hinchingbrooke Hospital opened in 1983 and serves the Huntingdonshire area and into the Fens.
The RAAC used to build the main hospital building is now coming to the end of its operational life and work is ongoing to reinforce the roof.
The Labour Ward and Special Care Baby Unit are among the areas where “fail-safe works” have been completed.
Work is currently taking place on Bay Tree and Jasmine Ward.
Looking into the future, a new main theatres building is under construction and on track to receive its first patients by the end of the year.
New pathology and pharmacy services will also be located on the ground floor of the theatre complex and these will serve the new hospital when built.
Ms Walker added: “These are exciting times for everyone in our local community and we look forward to continuing to involve local stakeholders and our communities as we develop our plans for the Hinchingbrooke Hospital of 2030.”
Meanwhile, Jan Thomas, chief executive officer at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, said: “Being able to build a new hospital from scratch is a fantastic opportunity.
“One we are looking forward to working with partners and our local community on, to develop the right space to provide health and care services that meet the needs of our local people both now and in the future.”
Cllr Sarah Conboy, the Executive Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council, described the new hospital announcement as "very welcome news indeed".
She said: "The hospital is key in ensuring that as our district grows, we are able to meet the needs of those who are live and work here.
"Like many others, my family have used the hospital and I am grateful for the care they have provided.
"The redevelopment will address the building concerns that have been expressed over the years, will give staff the space they need to work well, and will provide patient care in a high-quality setting."
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