Local group relaunches campaign for a faster QEH rebuild, pushing for the original 2030 completion date.
The group includes councillors, union reps, and concerned citizens. They agreed to restart their campaign because the hospital is officially obsolete in 2030.
The group plans a protest outside the hospital on Monday, February 17 at 1 PM. They demand funding from Health Secretary Wes Streeting and want work to begin on a car park, vital for the hospital rebuild.
The QEH is crumbling, with props holding up many areas. It has the most props of any UK hospital due to issues caused by RAAC construction.
The hospital’s lifespan was only 40 years, and it is now five years past that. The prior opening date for a new hospital was 2030, but the government now predicts 2033. People fear this delay harms patient and staff safety.
Jo Rust, part of the “Save the QEH” campaign, is worried about the delay. She wonders why they need a longer timeline since the government knows a rebuild is needed.
Rust says past infrastructure investment was lacking, and delaying funds only worsens things for everyone. Staff and management face many challenges, so she insists the government release funds now and stop the delays.
The approved QEH rebuild initially brought relief; however, timing anxieties have now begun. While remedial work makes the QEH safe temporarily, it won’t extend the hospital’s lifespan, Rust said.
MP James Wild shares these concerns and vowed to keep fighting for the QEH. MP Terry Jermy was previously happy with any confirmed date.
Wild recently met with health officials to discuss the new hospital plans. The minister assured him of speedy action and that funding is not blocking progress. A new QEH remains Wild’s main focus.