Councillors have been updated about the planned rebuild of Airedale Hospital.
The hospital in Steeton is set to be rebuilt because the majority of the hospital’s walls, floors and roofs were built with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), also known as crumbly concrete, which risks collapse.
A final decision on whether the rebuild will be made by the new Labour government which is reviewing the previous government’s New Hospital Programme.
However, officials working for Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, are continuing to work on plans and remain committed to a goal of opening the new hospital by 2030.
Ahead of a North Yorkshire Council meeting on Friday in Northallerton, councillors have received an update from Stuart Shaw, director of strategy, planning and partnership at the trust, regarding the planned rebuild.
Mr Shaw wrote in an email that the first stage of work to determine where on the site the new hospital will be built is almost complete.
He said the next phase will involve building a new multi-storey car park potentially as early as next year.
The trust is consulting with staff, local residents, patients and visitors to help inform the car park design with a report set to be published before the end of the year.
Mr Shaw also said some hospital services are likely to be moved to elsewhere on the site whilst building work for the new hospital takes place.
He added:
“This is because there is very limited space available on the current site that can be built on so we will have to take down some existing buildings to create sufficient space for the new hospital to be built.
“We are expecting the majority of these moves to be within the current site but will also need to consider external locations if we are not able to achieve this or if it might be of benefit to patients for a particular service to be provided from a different site.”
Last week, Skipton’s Conservative MP Sir Julian Smith said he believes the planned rebuild will go ahead despite mixed signals from the new government.
Mr Smith said:
“I’m quietly confident it will go ahead due to levels of RAAC and the implications on health and safety. It’s an extremely strong case, but we need to continue the pressure.
“It’s really important the hospital maintains confidence that it’s highly likely it will go ahead, but we need to nail that review and get it cleared.”
Herriots Hotel to host Wear Pink Afternoon in aid of Breast Cancer Now
Skipton Mayor to open Whinfield Bowling Club's open day
BBC Masterchef runner up to open café bar on Sheep Street
Craven College celebrates excellent Ofsted report
Popular village pub closes with immediate effect after more than seven years
Skipton pub loved by many announces closure
Skipton residents urged to put bins out earlier as hot weather continues
Skipton Colour Run raises £6,500 for academy students
Council urged to lower speed limit through Embsay and Eastby
Keighley arts centre unveils adult learning plans
Silsden gardeners get ready for Open Gardens Weekend
Solstice runners raise £25,000 for Sue Ryder
Amber heat warning issued for North Yorkshire
Brooklands school visit Skipton Hospital to learn the importance of nurses
Skipton MP Meets local councillor and residents to discuss road safety concerns at Skipton Estate
Bin crews to start earlier this week due to the heat
Still time to sign up for Solstice Saunter on Sunday
Leeds Bradford Airport to launch weekly flights to Santorini
Addingham Gala Festival set to be 'Out of this World'
Transdev partners with Yorkshire and North West Air Ambulance charities
