The UK Government has announced plans for the New Hospital Programme to ensure that all hospital projects are delivered within a realistic, adequately funded, and achievable timeline
This announcement comes after a detailed review of the previous government’s attempt to build 40 new hospitals by 2030, tainted by significant delays, lack of funding and unrealistic construction schedules.
Realistic goals for hospitals and hospital projects
The review was conducted by the Infrastructure Projects Authority (IPA), which found that the original programme was “unachievable” and rated it as red due to major issues with both the schedule and budget.
The new plan comes with a solid financial commitment. The government has committed £15 billion in new investment, spread over five-year waves, to ensure the programme is fully funded and can be delivered.
This funding will be used to construct new hospitals and upgrade existing NHS facilities, addressing long-standing issues with infrastructure that have limited patient care and staff efficiency.
The timeline for delivery has also been adjusted to be more realistic, with construction starting on some projects between 2025 and 2030 while others will begin between 2030 and 2035. A smaller group of projects will be initiated between 2035 and 2039.
Creating a safe hospital space
One of the key features of the revised plan is its focus on safety. Hospitals constructed using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), a material prone to structural failure, have been prioritised in the first wave of construction.
This is important for the safety of patients and the staff, as previous government programmes have failed to address this safety concern. The new prioritised programmes will help to mitigate risks associated with the deteriorating infrastructure.
Alongside new builds, the government is investing in the NHS estate more broadly to support patients, staff and ongoing hospital projects.
A major focus is on improving the existing buildings that are in poor condition. Over £1 billion has been allocated to repair and upgrade facilities that have suffered neglect in recent years.
This funding will tackle issues like leaking roofs, outdated equipment, and failing heating systems, which have directly impacted patient care.
Transforming primary care facilities
The government’s plan also recognises the need to overhaul the wider NHS estate, including primary care. As part of this commitment, £102 million has been earmarked for upgrades to GP surgeries across England, marking a first step in transforming primary care facilities.
This is part of a wider plan for primary care settings to major hospitals, ensuring they are fit for the future.
Another significant element of the plan is its long-term approach. Rather than overpromising quick fixes, the government has set out a clear timeline for construction and renovation that extends into the next decade.
Spreading the investment over five years ensures that funding is consistently available and construction timelines are more achievable. This approach also gives the NHS time to prepare for each phase of the programme, with early development and planning taking place for hospitals in later waves.
The government also intends to work closely with the construction industry to ensure that the necessary expertise, resources, and investment are in place to support the programme. Building relationships with suppliers and contractors will prevent further delays and cost overruns.
Ultimately, the goal of the revamped New Hospital Programme is to create a healthcare infrastructure that can meet the population’s growing needs and ensure that patients and staff have access to modern, safe, and efficient facilities.
By addressing both the immediate safety concerns of hospitals in the worst condition and laying out a clear, phased construction plan, the government aims to transform the NHS estate into a more resilient and capable system for the future. The updated programme promises to deliver what the NHS urgently needs, reliable, high-quality facilities that improve care and support the workforce.
