Government agrees to fund brand-new £663 million Crewe hospital

By Ryan Parker

25th May 2023 | Local News

The government has agreed to fund a brand-new Leighton hospital - because most of its existing buildings are structurally unsound.

Health secretary, Steve Barclay MP, announced funding for a new Leighton hospital, on the same site, in a statement before the Commons on Thursday 25 May.

The Crewe hospital is among NHS hospitals described in one press report as a 'ticking time bomb' due to the use of a certain type of concrete when constructed between the 1960s and the 1990s.

Leighton Hospitak's concrete planks are said to have a lifespan of 30 years - with the hospital now around 50 years old (Ryan Parker).

Built in the 1970s, Leighton has these concrete planks in more than 60 per cent of the site footprint.

The planks are said to have a lifespan of 30 years and the hospital is now around 50 years old.

CEO of Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation, Ian Moston, has been pushing for Leighton to be accelerated through as a priority for a new build because of the health and safety risks.

Expensive propping has been positioned to keep all patients and staff safe.

Crewe and Nantwich MP, Dr Kieran Mullan, welcomed the latest Government announcement - following a long running community campaign.

Dr Mullan told Nub News: "This is fantastic news for my constituents and the whole area.

Health secretary, Steve Barclay MP, announced funding for a new Leighton hospital, on the same site, in a statement before the Commons on Thursday 25 May (Mid Cheshire Hospitals).

"It is something I have been supporting Leighton with since 2020 and this result is a huge tribute to their tireless efforts to make the case to government for the funding.

"I want to thank the thousands of people that signed the petition backing the campaign which local cross party MPs and others supported."

"Leighton Hospital does fantastic work, helping us when we are most in need. The simple matter is the building has long past its sell-by-date.

"It was built in the '70s and was never meant to still be in operation today.

"The original site has been expanded upon and has benefited from much investment in recent years – but these can only go so far. It was obvious that a complete redevelopment was needed.