The Labour government has revised the Shotley Bridge Hospital project timeline, now set for 2025-2030, following a review of the New Hospitals Programme.
Consett: The Shotley Bridge Hospital rebuild is now pushed to 2025-2030. This change comes after the Labour government took a fresh look at the project.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting shared the news in the House of Commons. He talked about the ‘New Hospitals Programme’ that was promised back in 2019.
Originally, Durham County Council approved the plans in March 2023. But delays have popped up for various reasons, making the timeline uncertain.
Wes Streeting didn’t hold back, criticizing the Conservatives for breaking trust. He called their promise of 40 new hospitals a “work of fiction.”
He pointed out that the funding just wasn’t there. In 2019, they claimed they’d build 40 hospitals, but many weren’t even hospitals.
Streeting mentioned that he secured £3 billion a year for new hospitals. This is on top of £1 billion for fixing dangerous RAAC in hospitals.
With this funding boost, the total investment now stands at £13.6 billion. Streeting said this is the biggest investment in the NHS since Labour was last in charge.
He promised a realistic timetable for patients, saying they want to ensure every penny is spent wisely. A new framework for construction will be launched soon.
Wes Streeting wrapped up by saying the Conservatives made promises they couldn’t keep. He acknowledged that some patients might be disappointed with the new timeline.
He emphasized that the Labour government is committed to rebuilding the NHS and restoring trust in politics. This plan is honest and can actually be delivered.
