As the latest part of campaigning for a new QEH, James Wild MP today met the Health Secretary as well as the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to press for a decision to include QEH in the new hospitals programme.
During the meeting with the Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, they talked about the work with HM Treasury to include RAAC hospitals as part of the programme. The approach to standardisation of design and modern methods of construction, initially set out by the Health Secretary at the NHS Providers’ Conference, can play an important role in delivering significant time and cost savings for new hospitals.
Having secured a commitment from the Chancellor at the Autumn Statement to the new hospitals programme, James also met Rt Hon John Glen MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury to underline the importance of a decision to include QEH as a planned part of the NHS capital programme. The Chief Secretary is responsible for public spending and approving major investment programmes. They spoke about the impact of over 3,000 timber and steel support props across the hospital for patients and staff and the value for money of a new hospital.
Commenting James said:
“My focus is on talking to the people in government who are taking the decisions on the new hospitals programme. Three years after I first raised the need for a new QEH in Parliament, I’m confident that we’ve won the argument about replacing RAAC. Now the focus is getting the decision on how it is included as part of the new hospitals programme. I want that announcement and the certainty for patients and staff as soon as possible. Having strong local support is crucial to making the case for a new QEH.”
Today’s meetings following further discussions James had with Lord Nick Markham, Health minister, last week who is leading the new hospitals programme.
