This week, the Government announced a way forward for the updated New Hospital Programme that sets out clear timescales and budget commitments for all 41 hospital projects included in the programme list.
Through a series of comprehensive reviews, the NHP list has changed since its original launch in 2020, to include some existing hospitals in need of significant refurbishment and repair as well as the construction of new hospitals.
The new implementation plan outlines how work will be carried out in a sequence of five year ‘waves’, intended to ensure that investment in the projects can be maintained and that deadlines for construction can be realistically met.
Russell James, Strategic Partnership Director for SDS, said:
"We welcome the commitment to the programme and we are particularly pleased for those projects due to commence before 2030, while also recognising the disappointment of those who were hopeful of being in this category but are in later waves. Overall, the publication of this implementation plan is a positive step and one that I believe will be welcomed across the sector.
"At SDS, we have been working with members of the NHP team for some time, using our expertise to help shape the plans in development. Personally, I have often reflected on the scale of the challenge in coordinating so many new and existing hospital projects, so this implementation plan provides a clear direction for the future. With realistic expectations on timescales and budget, it paves the way for us to continue working with our industry partners to support delivery of the best possible hospital buildings for patients, visitors and staff across the country.”
You can find out more about the New Hospital Programme here.
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