Still no date for West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds, rebuild

The Government has yet to provide a date for the rebuilding of a Suffolk hospital.

Question marks were hung over the project to replace West Suffolk Hospital, in Bury St Edmunds, after the new chancellor, Rachel Reeves, announced plans to rebuild 40 hospitals by 2030 would be reviewed.

There was some ease in the aftermath of the announcement when clarity was issued that hospitals suffering from RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) would be prioritised.

The existing hospital has stood since the 1970s and has structural defects associated with the building material. The new building is earmarked for the Hardwick Manor site.

Yesterday, James Cartlidge, MP for South Suffolk, asked the Government for more clarity on the timetable for rebuilding the hospital.

Minister of state for health and social care, Karin Smyth, said the Government recognised the need for investment in West Suffolk and that the review would consider the urgency of rebuilding hospitals built mostly using RAAC, but stopped short of giving any timelines.

She added: “[Wes Streeting] will consider the findings and update Parliament on the outcome of the review reporting back to patients, clinicians and local communities on the next steps for the New Hospital Programme.

“We will provide a clear and realistic timetable for delivery of the programme and agree the investment needed to get patients the care they deserve.”

“This will consider the urgent need to rebuild the seven hospitals built mostly using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete to protect staff and patient safety.”

Bury and Stowmarket MP Dr Peter Prinsley, an ear, nose and throat surgeon for 40 years, said he was confident the new hospital would be delivered.