Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirms funding for new Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed funding for a new Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow.
His announcement about the long-awaited investment came in a video message on Friday (Oct 2) as part of the Government's commitment to building 40 new hospitals across the country this decade. The money was first pledged in October 2019.
Despite only winning her Hertford and Stortford seat in the General Election 10 months ago, Julie Marson earned special praise from Mr Hancock, along with her Harlow colleague, MP Robert Halfon.
Mr Halfon has been a long-term campaigner for the project, along with Mrs Marson's predecessor as Stortford MP, Mark Prisk, and Epping Forest MP Dame Eleanor Laing.
Mr Hancock said: "I'm delighted that as part of the 40 new hospitals, we are confirming the funding to rebuild the Princess Alex[andra] in Harlow, and I want to thank Rob Halfon and Julie Marson, who've done so much work to ensure, along with the local NHS, that this project gets over the line. There is a huge commitment, and I saw myself when I came round the [Princess] Alex[andra] a year or so ago the need for an upgrade, and we are making that a reality."
Mrs Marson said: "Having the funding secured for our new hospital takes us a step closer to its delivery. This new health campus is so important to our community.
"This endeavour has been a team effort. Alongside my neighbouring MPs, I want to pay tribute to the fantastic staff at the Princess Alexandra, to our local authorities, to my colleagues and to local residents for making their voices heard. We are working together to deliver for our community."
Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust has been planning for a new hospital since 2016. The next step is to develop an outline business case by March 2021. For this, the trust will define its clinical model, develop the masterplan for the site and prepare detailed 1:200 drawings which show all departments, rooms and landscaping.
Then bosses must complete a full business case and the final design of the buildings, including fixtures and fittings and design details, by December 2021.
Construction can then begin. It is hoped the development – on a greenfield site next to the new junction 7a on the M11, about 3.5 miles from the existing town centre base in Hamstel Road base – will be completed by 2025.