MP 'quietly confident' over hospital rebuild

An MP has said he is "quietly confident" a hospital will be rebuilt despite doubts over the New Hospitals programme.

Airedale Hospital in Steeton was built more than 50 years ago, with a large amount of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

A complete rebuild was added to the programme by the previous Conservative government in May, however the Labour government has announced a review of all NHS building projects as it looks to find savings.

At a meeting of Skipton and Ripon councillors on Sunday, Conservative MP Sir Julian Smith said pressure on the government must continue to ensure the rebuild happens.

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, has said plans for the rebuild are continuing whilst the government review takes place.

The hospital serves 220,000 people living in the Bradford area and the Craven district of North Yorkshire.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Green Party North Yorkshire councillor Andy Brown said members were “very concerned” about the current situation.

He asked if the Skipton and Ripon MP could join with members to send a joint message to the government regarding the importance of the rebuild.

In response, Sir Julian said he has been speaking to Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore as well as other Yorkshire MPs to put pressure on ministers.

Mr Smith said: "I’m quietly confident it will go ahead due to levels of RAAC and the implications on health and safety.

"It’s an extremely strong case, but we need to continue the pressure.

"It’s really important the hospital maintains confidence that it’s highly likely it will go ahead, but we need to nail that review and get it cleared."

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