Airedale Hospital: Rebuild will go ahead despite period of uncertainty amid review

The government has confirmed the planned rebuild of Airedale Hospital will go ahead.

It follows a period of uncertainty after health secretary Wes Streeting announced last month there would be a review of the previous government’s New Hospital Programme.

The review threatened to scupper plans for the rebuild, needed because 83% of the Steeton hospital is made of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), also known as crumbly concrete, which risks collapse.

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But in a letter sent to MPs on Friday, Mr Streeting said that Airedale Hospital will not be included in the review and the rebuild will continue “at pace”.

Airedale HospitalAiredale Hospital
Airedale Hospital

Mr Streeting said: “We recognise that hospitals made primarily from RAAC are a priority to ensure patient and staff safety. We are working at pace because I recognise how important it is that we commit to a realistic timetable to complete this scheme and deliver the healthcare facility local people need and deserve.”

The news has come as a huge relief to everyone involved in the rebuild plans.

Officials working for Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, remain committed to opening the new hospital on the same site by 2030.

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Foluke Ajayi, chief executive of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted that the need for a new Airedale Hospital has been recognised, and very grateful for the support we have had from our partners and the local communities.

“Our journey to our new hospital is now moving into the second stage, which is getting the site ready to build the hospital. We have a very busy time ahead as this will include building a new substation to bring extra power to the site and a new car park to make sure there is enough parking for patients and staff while the hospital is being built.

“We will also be continuing with the structural support programme across the hospital to ensure the safety of our patients, visitors, and staff, until the time comes that we can move into our new hospital.”

Sir Julian Smith MP, Conservative MP for Skipton and Ripon, said: “I am very pleased to read confirmation that the Airedale Hospital rebuild, initiated by the previous Conservative government, will still go ahead. This is really positive news and my focus will continue to be that the rebuild is completed on schedule.”

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