On Monday, James Wild MP joined BBC Radio Norfolk to provide an update on the work he has been doing in Parliament to campaign for a new Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) by 2030. This interview followed the Labour government announced a two-year delay in the opening of the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital to 2032, instead of 2030, as was promised by the previous government.
Having campaigned for a new QEH since being elected, James expressed his disappointment in this decision and has pledged to work in Parliament to make the case to the government to expedite these plans, particularly in light of expert reports suggesting that the hospital’s ‘end of life’ is 2030.
James explained how he has since challenged the government on its decision in the House of Commons and that he recently met with the Health Minister, new hospitals programme team, and QEH to review progress on the plans for a new hospital.
He explained that he had been assured that the Department will work faster if it is possible on the scheme, and that work on its multi-story car park could begin in the Summer of 2025. He also noted that there are no funding issues that would obstruct progress, nor would any site-specific review at QEH delay approvals for other enabling projects.
Speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk James Wild MP said:
“Everyone local knows the need here. The government has said that they recognise it and now they’ve got to live up to the commitments they’ve given to make sure we have that new hospital.”
