9
Conclusion
First Report - The New Hospital Program…
Deferred
DHSC claims that its plans to standardise approvals processes and that hospital design will reduce the time taken to build a hospital from as much as 11 years to about six. We asked whether there was a case for rebuilding some hospitals using traditional methods so that more work could …
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DHSC claims that its plans to standardise approvals processes and that hospital design will reduce the time taken to build a hospital from as much as 11 years to about six. We asked whether there was a case for rebuilding some hospitals using traditional methods so that more work could be done sooner – as discussed later in this report, DHSC is delayed in creating the new standardised process and design. DHSC’s view was that reverting to the traditional method would actually take longer.15 We note though that the Infrastructure and Projects Authority has previously highlighted issues with the 7 HM Government, PM confirms £3.7 billion for 40 hospitals in biggest hospital building programme in a generation, 2 October 2020; accessed at www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-confirms-37-billion-for-40- hospitals-in-biggest-hospital-building-programme-in-a-generation 8 Q 45; C&AG’s Report, para 12 and Figure 5 9 C&AG’s Report, Figure 8; [DHSC letter 26/9] 10 Qq 42–43 11 Qq 56–57 12 C&AG’s Report, Figure 9 and para 2.18 13 Letter from Shona Dunn, DHSC dated 26 September 2023 14 Qq 47, 52; C&AG’s Report para 20 and Figure 12 15 Qq 29–31 The New Hospital Programme 11 capability of NHP’s leadership. As NHP has structured its programme, its central team will need deep expertise in large-scale programme management as well as design and construction skills.16
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Government response AI summary
The government states it is examining the possibility of using existing design and contracting approaches for a small number of schemes to accelerate delivery, with final decisions on this to be made by summer 2024.
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HM Treasury
13
Conclusion
First Report - The New Hospital Program…
Deferred
Among DHSC’s other commitments, the need to rebuild the seven RAAC hospitals by 2030 is particularly pressing. RAAC hospitals are costing taxpayers a lot of money as remedial measures are taken to keep them safe and open.24 In this context, insisting on using Hospital 2.0 designs for all seven schemes …
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Among DHSC’s other commitments, the need to rebuild the seven RAAC hospitals by 2030 is particularly pressing. RAAC hospitals are costing taxpayers a lot of money as remedial measures are taken to keep them safe and open.24 In this context, insisting on using Hospital 2.0 designs for all seven schemes seems questionable. The seriousness of the RAAC issue and the need to complete these rebuilds by 2030 creates a strong case for procuring and constructing the seven hospitals under traditional methods, even if that would mean not complying fully with the as yet incomplete Hospital 2.0 design.25
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Government response AI summary
The government is examining the possibility of progressing a small number of schemes, including RAAC hospitals, using traditional design and contracting methods, with decisions expected by summer 2024, while also intending to test Hospital 2.0 within RAAC schemes.
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HM Treasury
24
Conclusion
First Report - The New Hospital Program…
Deferred
NHS England also provided us with an update on its progress in dealing with known RAAC buildings. At the time we took evidence in September, it told us that there were projects to remove RAAC from the then 24 sites where it had a full understanding of the issues. It …
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NHS England also provided us with an update on its progress in dealing with known RAAC buildings. At the time we took evidence in September, it told us that there were projects to remove RAAC from the then 24 sites where it had a full understanding of the issues. It was aiming to eradicate RAAC in most places by 2030.53 We asked whether there would be enough money to continue and complete remediation after 2024–25, when current funding runs out. DHSC told us that it had no reason to think there would not be enough funding but that this would have to be considered as part of the next spending review.54
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Government response AI summary
The government, despite stating 'recommendation implemented', confirms that funding needs for RAAC mitigation and eradication beyond 2024-25 will inform bids at subsequent Spending Reviews, thus deferring a definitive commitment. It also commits to writing to the Committee with an assessment of RAAC in other health …
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HM Treasury