NEWS that Airedale Hospital at Steeton is to be rebuilt by 2030 has been welcomed by North Yorkshire Council's scrutiny of heath committee.

Last week, the Government announced that Airedale had been included on its new hospital programme.

The 16 committee members previously pledged unanimous support for the Airedale NHS Foundation Trust and in January wrote to the Secretary of State and the Prime Minister in support of the trust securing funding to rebuild the hospital.

The existing hospital is one of a small number in the UK that were built in the late 1960s and is experiencing severe structural problems as a result of being built largely from reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete. Structural engineers have advised that the hospital should be replaced as soon as possible and no later than 2030.

The chairman of the scrutiny of health committee, Councillor Andrew Lee, said: “I am delighted with the news that Airedale Hospital has been accepted onto the Government’s New Hospital Programme.

"This is the best outcome we could have hoped for, and I am pleased we were one of many contributors supporting the trust in their unwavering determination to secure a new state-of-the-art hospital.

"This will bring huge benefits to the local community and beyond, with the hospital serving a population of 220,000 across 700 square miles of Bradford district and Craven, and parts of East Lancashire and North Yorkshire.”

The committee and local councillors supported the trust’s concern that, had the funding not be awarded through the competitive process, the hospital would face mounting repair costs and an uncertain future as problems with the structure increased.

“The committee and I are overjoyed that we can now look forward to a new hospital, fit for the future, providing first class health care for the residents and the community,” said Cllr Lee.

An update from the NHS Foundation Trust will be presented to the committee for consideration later this year.