The new Health Secretary, Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP, visited QEH just a week after taking on his new role to discuss the case for a new hospital with James and the hospital management.
During his visit, the Health Secretary was briefed on the proposals QEH has submitted for a new hospital due to the RAAC planks. He saw some of the 1500 props across the hospital and spoke to staff and patients on Necton Ward about the impact on care. Having taken on his new role, he is reviewing the expressions of interest QEH put forward and visited the hospital to see the issues for himself and talk about the proposals. He knows the hospital well as his constituents use the hospital and his son was born at QEH.
Steve also went to the new Brancaster maternity ward and he formally opened the new £3 million West Norfolk Eye Centre.
James said:
“It is encouraging that the Health Secretary made it a priority to come to QEH only a week after his appointment to review the serious situation that makes this the most propped hospital in the country. QEH has a compelling case to be selected as part of the new hospitals programme to deliver facilities fit for the future, rather than being an unplanned cost that will have to be met. Investments such as the new West Norfolk Eye Centre underline the impact that new facilities can have for patients and for staff to deliver better care.”
