Airedale to get a NEW hospital

The Department of Health has confirmed that Airedale Hospital will get its new hospital.

The news was confirmed yesterday afternoon (20 September 2024).

Airedale is one of seven hospital projects which will now be prioritised because its current buildings contain potentially dangerous reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete. (RAAC).

The rebuild work at Airedale will now proceed as planned, pending funding once the final business case is approved.

Foluke Ajayi, chief executive, Airedale NHS Foundation Trust said: We are delighted to have the confirmation and hope to have spades in the ground in early 2025.

The hospital will be rebuilt on its current site, although alternatives were considered.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Patient safety is our priority, so RAAC-affected hospitals, alongside those where the Full Business Cases is already approved, will not form part of the review and will continue as planned.

“It’s great to see Craven getting a hospital fit for the 21st century not only for you and me as patients, but also for the staff at the hospital who deserve to work in a modern environment that we can all be proud of,” Robert Minton-Taylor, public governor, South Craven, Airedale NHS Foundation Trust