After concerns about funding - James Wild MP writes to Health Minister seeking reassurance
Mr Wild has received written confirmation from the Health Minister that the Government remains committed to delivering the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in King's Lynn.
It follows concerns raised by Mr Wild about potential Department of Health spending cuts affecting the planned replacement hospital.
QEH designs
In her letter, Health Minister Karin Smith, writes,"I want to reassure you that the Government remains committed to delivering the New Hospital Programme and to the replacement of the seven hospitals constructed wholly or primarily from RAAC, including the QEH.
"The New Hospital Programme is continuing to work closely with The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust to progress the scheme in line with the plan for implementation."
Mr Wild says, “Delivering the new QEH is my priority and given uncertainty around potential changes to health funding, I am pleased the government has given me an assurance it is committed to the scheme and the funding of up to £1.5 billion.
“With the ground-breaking to mark the start of construction of the new multi-storey car park later this month, this provides important certainty to push ahead with the plans.”
The Minister also gave assurances the current QEH will have access to funding and support from NHS England’s RAAC (Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) programme to ensure facilities remain safe and open until the new hospital is built.