Gary Norgate spoke to James Cartlidge MP about progress on the construction
Construction work for a new hospital remains on schedule to start within the timeframe provided by Government.
West Suffolk Hospital is hoping to begin construction of its facility at Hardwick Manor in Bury St Edmunds in early 2028, despite concerns over timetable pressures for the project.
Gary Norgate, programme director for the new West Suffolk Hospital, told South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge that it is in the middle of the second of three business cases.
"We're just about to start our reserved matters process," he said in a video posted on social media.
"And then we will allocate our building contractor in the next six to eight months. And then we will be in the final hurdle.
"Secretary of state says all RAAC's will start 27/28 and currently we have a challenging, but clear plan to commence early 2028."
A report by the National Audit Office last week revealed there have been concerns surrounding the hospital build.
The scheme is now likely to cost between £1.3billion and £1.5million.
"Some of the RAAC hospitals appear to be facing timetable pressures against the revised plans. For example, West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds told us it has little time left before its planning permission expires," the report adds.
A spokesperson for West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust said: “As with all large and complex capital programmes, particularly those delivered over a number of years, timelines and budgets naturally evolve as proposals are developed, scoped in detail and tested against technical and regulatory requirements.
"West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust continues to work closely with national partners and is currently on track to begin construction between 2027–28, in line with the Department of Health and Social Care’s agreed timeline. We continue to develop our plans to ensure the scheme is delivered within its approved budgetary envelope.”
Published by the Bury Mercury.
