PMQs: Sunak fails to commit to building promised new hospitals on time as repair backlog hits a record £11.6 billion

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

The Prime Minister failed to commit to delivering on the Conservative party’s 2019 manifesto pledge to build 40 new hospitals or to fix those that are currently crumbling when pressed at PMQs today.

Liberal Democrat Health and Social Care spokesperson, Daisy Cooper, highlighted the promised new hospital in West Hertfordshire, meant to form part of the government’s new hospital programme but which is yet to get spades in the ground. 

Daisy Cooper also asked Sunak whether he would confirm that crumbling hospitals would be made safe for patients. She raised the example of Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport, where buildings are having to close due to crumbling infrastructure. 

The cost of repairs needed at Stepping Hill have now reached over £50 million. The overall NHS estate repairs backlog has reached a record £11.6 billion. 

In his response, the Prime Minister failed to commit to fixing all the crumbling hospitals or commit to a timeline as to when the new hospitals would be built as promised.

The Liberal Democrats are calling on the government to urgently fix the crumbling hospitals that pose a danger to both staff and patients.

Liberal Democrat Health and Social Care spokesperson, Daisy Cooper MP said:

“No patient should have to fear that the hospital they attend might collapse around them at any moment. It is beggars belief that this is the situation that so many patients and staff find themselves in.

“This Conservative government cannot be trusted with our NHS. Rishi Sunak cannot be trusted to deliver the new hospitals that his party promised or trusted to ensure patients are treated in safe buildings. 

“Conservative ministers must urgently fix these crumbling and dangerous buildings and finally get on with delivering the new hospitals they promised. Patients and their loved ones should not have to put up with these dangerous buildings and delays any longer.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The text of Daisy Cooper MP’s question *check against delivery*:

“At the last general election, residents in West Hertfordshire were promised a new hospital but were still waiting for the green light, having to put up with broken lifts, and overly crowded treatment wards.

“In other parts of the country, there are entire hospital buildings that have had to be closed down, like the one in Stepping Hill in Stockport because they are structurally unsafe.

“From broken promises on new hospitals to the backlog of repairs, people are sick and tired of waiting. 

“Can the PM tell me - by the time of the next general election - how many of the broken hospitals will be fixed and will my residents be able to point to a single spade in the ground?”

The NHS Estate repairs backlog can be found here.