NHP delays risk ‘normalising’ unsafe NHS buildings and adding millions to repairs bill

The government’s spending watchdog National Audit Office has said that the New Hospital Programme (NHP) is on a ‘'firmer footing’ but that RAAC-affected buildings will miss replacement targets.
 
Daniel Elkeles, chief executive, NHS Providers, said:

"Ageing hospital buildings may have to stay in use way past their ‘use-by’ dates, putting patients and staff at risk and costing NHS trusts and taxpayers millions of pounds because some NHP schemes are now not expected to begin construction until 2039.

"More delays risk normalising unacceptable conditions for patients and staff, with outdated buildings remaining in use far longer than planned. 
 
"We understand the government’s decision to speed up replacing hospitals where RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete), originally designed to last 30 years, has been found in much older NHS buildings. Trusts are having to support collapsed roofs with scaffolding and steel props to keep patients and staff safe.
 
"But RAAC isn’t the only serious problem across the NHS and more delays add eye-watering costs and inflation - up to an estimated extra £30million a year for some schemes - on top of the bill for trying to patch up dilapidated and deteriorating buildings and facilities."
 
NHS Providers is submitting evidence to MPs who are looking into the NHP.