Learn more about a new hospital

A series of public events are being held this month to learn more about the redevelopment of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn.

Ten weeks after the government announced the hospital was added to the New Hospital Programme, leaders are updating members of the public on progress.
A series of events are being held later this month and they will be hosted by CEO Alice Webster along with a new hospital programme team.
Patients, residents, carers, businesses and interested parties are all invited to learn more about how the project will come to life over the coming years.
Data from the Office of National Statistics and National Audit office are being used to formulate a full business case and setting out the size and scale of the new hospital.
New housing developments in the area, health trends and population growth are all being used to help.
“We can’t be specific at this stage about the details, like bed numbers, and all the services we will offer. That will come. But we do want to hear what matters to you about your new hospital.
“It might not be something we can deliver, but there will be some things we can do,” said Ms Webster.
The team will explain how modern methods of construction, similar to those used in the hospital’s endoscopy unit, will mean the building will be carbon neutral, sustainable and will have the longevity to serve generations to come.
The hospital, which also serves part of South Holland, was in the spotlight when it was revealed that thousands of props were holding up the roof of the 1980s building in more than 56 areas.
The government announced in May that funding would be available to replace the RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) building which reached the end of its life.
A huge public campaign was launched to fight for the funding and there was delight when the news broke in May that a new hospital would open its doors from 2030.
The first stages of work have begun with the demolition of the former Inspire Centre to make way for a multi-storey car park.
The new car park is to be built in two phases, the first to provide 500 spaces and the second to create an additional 879 spaces.
The QEH opened in 1980 and had an expected working life of 30 years.
The public events start on Monday, August 21 from 6pm at the Knights Hill Hotel in King’s Lynn.
Wednesday, August 23 at the Oasis community centre, Wisbech, Wednesday August 30 at the Princess Theatre, Hunstanton and Thursday, August 31 at Downham Market Town Hall.