The proposed upgrade to Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) has been further delayed, with construction now not expected to begin until 2032. This postponement, attributed to the government's re-evaluation of national hospital projects, could result in an additional £800 million cost and push back the completion date for the new maternity unit, adult's hospital, and children's hospital to 2040. Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust expressed its disappointment at the delay, emphasizing the need for a new hospital to meet modern medical needs and address the aging infrastructure of LGI. The Trust is currently assessing the additional funding required to maintain the site while working with the Department of Health and Social Care to understand the implications of the delay.
A critical upgrade to hospital facilities in Leeds could face an additional £800 million cost due to the government's postponement of the project. Authorities overseeing city health were informed that construction at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) cannot commence until at least 2032. This delay could push back the delivery of a new maternity unit, adult's hospital, and children's hospital to 2040, more than two decades after the initial announcement.
A recent status update revealed that the government's decision, coupled with earlier setbacks, 'could result in an estimated additional £800m cost' for the project. Leeds Teaching Hospitals (LTH) NHS Trust had previously been assured of government funding. The pause in progress is part of a wider review of several projects initiated by Health Secretary Wes Streeting.Professor Phil Wood, Chief Executive of LTH, expressed his disappointment, stating: 'This means our patients, staff, and communities in Yorkshire and beyond will need to wait even longer for this much-needed new hospital.' The Trust had previously alerted authorities about sections of the LGI exceeding 150 years old, deeming them unsuitable for modern medical needs. With a looming maintenance backlog exceeding £650 million, part of the challenge involves maintaining the aging infrastructure of LGI. Upon review, the total estimated expense for the LGI development, a segment of the national New Hospital Programme (NHP), is projected to reach between £1.5 billion and £2 billion. However, LTH stated that the information used to arrive at this figure and delay the scheme had not been shared.Prof Wood emphasized: 'We have requested the information from the NHP which has been used to determine the decision that has informed this delay. We will continue to work with the NHP, to understand the detail of this announcement and what it means for our plans.' LTH is currently assessing the additional funding required to maintain the LGI site. Prof Wood highlighted: 'Our key priority now will be to make sure that we can continue to provide safe, high-quality services for our patients in an appropriate environment.' A construction site had been cleared to accommodate the new LGI facilities, and proposals were submitted to the council. The trust had planned a series of public events to disseminate information about the scheme. The progress report indicated that a new planning application would be necessary once the current consent expires in June. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) stated that national NHP schemes were prioritized based on established criteria. A spokesperson said: 'This government has confirmed a funding plan and realistic timetable to put us on track to deliver the rebuild of LGI, and we will work closely with trusts to accelerate progress where possible.
LEEDS GENERAL INFIRMARY HOSPITAL UPGRADE CONSTRUCTION DELAY COST INCREASES NEW HOSPITAL PROGRAMME NHS TRUST HEALTH SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE
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