Campaign for new Airedale Hospital

Robbie Moore says the existing building, opened in 1970, is in desperate need of replacing.

He secured a parliamentary debate on the issue.

And health minister Edward Argar has agreed to visit the Steeton site to see the issues for himself.

Mr Moore said the Government had announced plans to fund eight new hospitals in the coming years and that he would press for Airedale to be amongst them.

He said: "Airedale General has amazing doctors, nurses and other NHS staff – serving over 200,000 people across Yorkshire and East Lancashire – and throughout the pandemic they have gone above and beyond to help our community.

"As we begin the recovery, this is our opportunity to 'build back better' – to look to the future.

"We have a fantastic local hospital, but it could be even better.

"Eighty-three per cent of the building is made from aerated concrete, which is known for serious structural deficiencies.

"The hospital's flat roof – and our wet Yorkshire weather – means the building has more leaks than any other hospital in the country. Last year, I was taken on a tour to see first-hand the state of disrepair.

"Airedale has already been forced to temporarily close buildings and relocate care. If we don’t take urgent action, there is a real risk this will happen on a more serious scale."

Mr Moore said a "sticking plaster" approach to maintaining the building was no longer acceptable.

He added: "The financial, practical and environmental case for a new Airedale Hospital is clear for all to see.

"After the past year-and-a-half, a new hospital is deserved more than ever."

Mr Moore is urging anyone who supports the campaign to pledge their backing at robbiemoore.org.uk/Airedale.

Brendan Brown, chief executive officer of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are extremely grateful to Robbie for supporting our ambition to transform our ageing estate into a modern, sustainable healthcare facility, making sure it meets the needs of our communities – now and for many years to come.

"We monitor our concrete panels closely and have embarked on a programme of remedial works on the main hospital building to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. As part of these works we are pleased to announce that we've secured £15 million of funding to build a new facility for our critical care unit. The new facility will also provide space to enable the temporary relocation of other wards as part of the planned maintenance programme.

"However, we are also working with colleagues at NHS England, NHS Improvement, the Department of Health and the Treasury on a longer-term solution which would potentially involve a phased approach to rebuilding large parts of the hospital.

"We are heartened by the positive response from Robbie’s debate in parliament and look forward to welcoming Ed Argar and other parliamentary colleagues to Airedale."