Nottingham’s hospital rebuilds have been postponed to 2037, leaving many feeling frustrated and concerned about the future of healthcare in the area
Nottingham: The plans to rebuild the Queen’s Medical Centre and City Hospital have hit a snag. The government just announced that the project is now pushed back to at least 2037. That’s a real bummer for everyone involved.
The Nottingham University Hospitals Trust is feeling the heat. They’ve been saying these upgrades are urgently needed. Local MPs and union leaders are also voicing their disappointment. It’s clear that folks are not happy about this news.
Unison, the union representing many workers at these hospitals, expressed that this delay makes it feel like there’s “no end in sight” for improvements. Remember, these rebuilds were part of a big promise made back in 2019 to build 40 new hospitals. But now, it seems like that promise is falling apart.
Labour’s Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, didn’t hold back either. He called the original pledge “false hope” and laid out a new timeline in Parliament. The Nottingham rebuilds are now at the back of the line, not expected to start until after 2035.
The Department of Health estimates that construction won’t kick off until between 2037 and 2039, with costs soaring over £2 billion. Anthony May, the chief executive of NUH, said this delay will seriously affect both patients and staff for years to come.
And it gets worse. The delay means plans to consolidate maternity services at the QMC and build a helipad and multi-storey car park are now off the table. That’s a real setback for the community.
Gareth Eales from Unison shared that staff are feeling let down. He pointed out that these hospitals are crucial for Nottingham and desperately need modern upgrades. The longer this takes, the more it affects the quality of care.
He also mentioned that the previous government’s promises have left everyone in a tough spot. The state of the A&E department and other wards is just not good enough. It’s frustrating to think there’s no clear path forward.
Mr. Eales was surprised to learn that Nottingham’s rebuilds are among the last to start, especially with a massive £439 million maintenance backlog. He’s hoping to convince the government to prioritize these projects.
Labour MP Lilian Greenwood, who represents the area, echoed the disappointment but noted that the government is still committed to the New Hospital Programme. She believes the new plan is more realistic and properly funded compared to the previous one.
Another MP, Nadia Whittome, also expressed her frustration over the delays but emphasized the need for these improvements. She’s determined to keep pushing for quicker action.
On a brighter note, the new £105 million National Rehabilitation Centre is still on track to open later this year. That’s a bit of good news amidst all the delays.
Mr. Streeting reassured everyone that the new timetable is honest and funded. He’s committed to making sure these hospitals get built, promising an average investment of £3 billion a year. That’s the largest capital investment in the NHS in years.
He also mentioned a new framework for contracting construction, aiming to speed up the delivery of these much-needed facilities. Here’s hoping it all comes together soon!
