Next stage of plans for major new Norfolk hospital approved |
The James Paget Hospital in Gorleston said a strategic outline case (SOC), which sets out why the replacement hospital is needed and how the scheme will be delivered, was approved by ministers from the Department of Health and Social Care.
The hospital, which was constructed using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), was prioritised for rebuild by the government's New Hospital Programme and is expected to open to patients in 2032/33.
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn had its SOC approved in October last year.
A birds-eye view of the existing James Paget Hospital in Gorleston. (Image: JPUH)
Jonathan Gardner, executive managing director of the James Paget Hospital, said: “This is a vital step forward for our ambitious plans for a new hospital, and recognises the significant amount of work that has gone into planning so far."
Jo Segasby, group chief delivery officer and senior responsible owner for the group’s New Hospital programme, said: “We are pleased that James Paget Hospital has joined QEH in having its Strategic Outline Case approved by the Department of Health and Social Care, which allows our joint programme to move on to the next stage of planning.
“Our new hospitals will be among the most modern and digitally advanced hospitals in Europe and will help us deliver the best care for our patients and communities in the future.”
Plans for the new James Paget Hospital in Gorleston. (Image: Bidwells/James Paget Hospital)
He said the hospital is ensuring the next stage of the plans reflects analysis of the current and future health needs of the local population, emerging patterns of hospital use and demand, and the growing impact of rapidly advancing digital medical technologies.
Last year, the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the James Paget University Hospital merged into what is now known as the Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group.
Both the James Paget and The QEH's New Hospital schemes have commenced work on the outline business case stage of planning, which requires detailed designs and costing plans for the new builds.