Labour to Delay New Hospital Plans Due to Funding Concerns
The Labour government is expected to announce a delay in the construction of new NHS hospitals, originally promised by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. This decision comes as the government struggles to secure the necessary funding for the ambitious project.
Health Minister Wes Streeting is set to reveal that at least half of the 40 new hospitals promised by the previous Conservative government will not be built by the original 2030 deadline. This announcement is expected next week and could leave NHS trusts across the country scrambling to find alternative solutions for their aging and failing hospitals.
According to The Guardian, Streeting plans to blame the Conservatives for failing to budget for the £30 billion project beyond March 2025. In September, he had confirmed that 12 of the 40 projects would proceed, including seven facing imminent collapse due to the use of RAAC concrete. He also ordered a review of 25 other hospitals in poor condition.
The Treasury, Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and NHS England have jointly reviewed the project and the funding sources. The cost of repairing the existing dilapidated hospitals will now be spread over a longer timeframe.
Streeting is expected to announce that the refurbishments will eventually take place and provide revised cost estimates for the project. It is understood that many of the projects are already at an advanced stage, and the hospitals are in dire need of renovation.
"We may have to consider rephasing schemes so that they can be taken forward as fiscal conditions allow. A structured and agreed rolling investment approach will mean proceeding with these schemes will be subject to investment decisions at future spending reviews."
Despite the government's explanation, concerns remain about the impact of delaying these much-needed hospital upgrades. Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, highlighted the dangers of operating in crumbling hospitals. He cited examples of hospitals forced to cancel hundreds of operations due to failing infrastructure, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these issues.
The Liberal Democrats have condemned the government's decision to delay the hospital plans, calling it "completely unacceptable." Helen Morgan, the party's health and social care spokesperson, argued that patients deserve the promised improvements and better care that these new hospitals would provide.
The government's decision to delay the new hospital construction is likely to face significant criticism, particularly from those communities most affected by the aging and inadequate healthcare facilities. The government will need to address these concerns and provide a clear plan for ensuring that patients receive the quality care they deserve.
6 Comments
Karamba
This is a disgrace! The NHS is already struggling and now patients will have to wait even longer for the care they need. This is a betrayal of the public.
Matzomaster
I understand the need for these hospitals, but we need to make sure they are built right and within budget. This delay is necessary to ensure we get the best value for money.
Rotfront
This is an insult to the NHS and the people who work in it. The government needs to stop playing politics and prioritize the needs of patients.
Matzomaster
The government is right to prioritize existing hospitals that are in urgent need of repair. These patients deserve the best possible care.
Karamba
It's responsible to delay these hospital projects if the funding isn't secured. It's better to be cautious and avoid wasting taxpayer money.
Mariposa
What a mess! The government needs to get its act together and deliver these hospitals. It's appalling that they are putting patients at risk.