South West Norfolk MP Liz Truss has been on a fact finding visit today to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn “to give further support to our campaign for a new hospital”
A hospital spokesperson said she spoke of working closely with the town’s MP James Wild and would be meeting Chancellor Jeremy Hunt next week.
“She will call on the Chancellor to make an announcement ahead of or at the Budget (March 15),” said the spokesperson.
Ms Truss told hospital staff that “people are getting worried’ and she wanted reassurance for a replacement hospital.
The MP – and former prime minister – agreed that facilities at the QEH were “not fit for purpose”.
She also praised staff at the hospital for “continuing to deliver excellent care”.
The safety of the hospital roof structure was recognised in the most recent Care Quality Commission inspection report as a “most substantial risk”.
The hospital has told residents: “That’s why we’re doing all we can to bring a new hospital to King’s Lynn and West Norfolk for our patients, local communities, and staff.
“Your hospital needs you! We are calling on local people and supporters to add your voices to growing calls for a new hospital.”
In a recent statement the hospital said: “Everyone in the area knows someone who was born, cared for, has given birth or who works at QEH.
“We know the hospital means a great deal to our local community and that they are reassured that the hospital is here in King’s Lynn if they ever need it.
“The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn was only designed to last until 2010 – we’re urgently installing props and fail safes to stop the roof from collapsing.
“We now have six times as many props as we do beds. These maximise safety but they don’t extend the life of our buildings beyond 2030.
“The people we serve deserve a new hospital, and we’re working tirelessly to press our case and make this a reality.
“There is a once in a generation chance to bring world-class healthcare facilities to the communities we serve.
“We are doing all we can to push for the funding we so badly need to build a new, modern, fit-for-purpose QEH in King’s Lynn.”
MP – and former prime minister – Liz Truss agreed that facilities at the QEH were “not fit for purpose”. Her comments came after a fact finding visit to the hospital today. PHOTO: QEH
