Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE, MP for Skipton and Ripon, has welcomed the recent announcement from the Health Secretary, Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, confirming the government's commitment to the rebuilding of Airedale General Hospital.
This comes as part of the revised New Hospital Programme, which aims to deliver a timetable for new hospital projects across the UK.
Airedale General Hospital, which opened in 1970 and was constructed using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), has been prioritised in the revised plan.
The hospital will benefit from the new funding and development strategy, ensuring it can continue to serve its community effectively. The Airedale NHS Foundation Trust is set to submit the planning application for the new Airedale Hospital to Bradford Council in the near term. The new facility will be constructed on the existing site in Steeton and will feature a multi-story car park and new vehicular access from Skipton Road.
Commenting, Julian said, "I welcome the government's commitment to rebuilding Airedale General Hospital. This is a crucial development for our community, ensuring that we have the healthcare facilities needed to provide high-quality care. I look forward to further updates on Airedale General Hospital’s rebuild over the coming period.”