Bid submitted for £663m replacement hospital in Leighton
The Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust wants to replace the ageing hospital north-west of Crewe with a new facility delivered in phases on the same site.
The trust claims the £663m needed to create the new hospital would amount to a saving of £100m compared to the cost of refurbishing the existing hospital over the next 15 years.
James Sumner, chief executive of the Mid Cheshire Trust, said: “Our vision is for a carbon neutral facility that will play a vital role at the heart of the community and support the delivery of a new clinical model – a blueprint for providing care both in and out of hospital.”
Murray Luckas, the trust’s medical director, added: “A new hospital provides a unique opportunity to transform the experience of both patients and staff.
“Working closely with our many partners, our aim is to ensure that digital innovation is at the forefront of health services designed to tackle inequalities and meet the needs of a growing and ageing population.”
If the bid is successful, the replacement Leighton Hospital would be one of 40 delivered as part of the government’s £3.7bn New Hospitals Programme.
A total of 40 facilities are promised under the programme. Money has already been given out for 32 new-build projects and the programme is actively looking for another eight to sponsor.
Among the 32 new-build hospitals that have received funding are North Manchester General Hospital and Royal Preston and Lancaster Royal Infirmary.
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s bid for government cash follows a similar submission from Stockport Council earlier this month.
Stockport has asked for £500m to build a new town centre hospital on the site of the former Debenhams store. The facility would replace the ageing Stepping Hill.
A final decision on the funding bids is expected by next spring.
Modular construction firm MTX is currently on site building a 44,000 sq ft extension to Leighton Hospital’s emergency department. The £12m project is due to complete next spring.
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- Credit: MCHFT
- Credit: MCHFT
- The existing hospital would be replaced. Credit: MCHFT
Why are they building a new Emergency Department and then will have another new ED built if they get the 600 million from the GOV?
By Delia Wright