The Health Secretary Wes Streeting has announced that the major rebuilding of North Manchester General Hospital will go ahead following new commitment by the Government.
This rebuild will create a new ‘world-class facility’ that will help tackle health inequalities across the region, paving way for a healthier population. The project will help the wider regeneration of North Manchester, with the potential to create ‘thousands of new homes and jobs’ – as well as a new hospital,
After a review of the New Hospital Programme was carried out, and found that the previous Government’s commitment to deliver ’40 new hospitals by 2030′ was behind-schedule, unfunded, and therefore, undeliverable, the Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed funding and a realistic timetable to deliver all of its hospital projects.
This credible timeline for delivery will ensure that staff and patients have access to the facilities they desperately need around the country “as soon as possible”.
Buildings and equipment across the UK that had been left to crumble, disrupting patient care and hindering staff, which is why ministers said they are now “committed” to rebuilding the NHS.
The new plan, which the Government say is “affordable and honest” will be backed with £15 billion of new investment over consecutive five-year waves.
Hospitals in Wave 1 of the Programme, which includes North Manchester General Hospital, are expected to begin construction anytime between 2025 and 2030 – with these schemes including hospitals constructed primarily using RAAC, and have been prioritised due to patient and staff safety being paramount.
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council and Member of the GM Business Board says “We wholeheartedly welcome the Government’s certainty and commitment around the future of North Manchester General Hospital and its plans for a full rebuild.
“Working together with our communities, we will ensure that the new North Manchester General Hospital does not just provide excellent healthcare but also improves the health and quality of life for the communities which it serves.
“This rebuild is the lynchpin of that vision, and we are ready now to make it a reality.”
Bev Craig has also released a joint statement with the Trust Chief Executive for Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Mark Clubbon stating ““North Manchester residents face some of the biggest health challenges in the country and now they will get the world-class hospital which they deserve.
“However, this scheme is bigger than just a hospital, it is an exciting plan for how we develop civic-led healthcare regeneration.
“The green light today is a massive boost for the North Manchester Strategy, the largest urban redevelopment programme in the North of England.
“Working together with our communities, we will ensure that the new North Manchester General Hospital does not just provide excellent healthcare but also improves the health and quality of life for the communities which it serves.”
