STORY
The Government has announced more than £1.5 billion for over 950 projects intended to improve the safety and resilience of NHS buildings in England. The programme includes new operating theatres, wards and improvements to maternity and mental health facilities.
More than £200 million has been assigned to ten major schemes, including £41 million for operating theatres at Bristol Royal Infirmary, £26 million for a pathology building at Stepping Hill Hospital and £32 million for two operating theatres at the Royal Free Hospital. A further £1.3 billion will support maintenance, fire safety, electrical and resilience work across the NHS estate.
The allocation includes £32 million for cooling, ventilation and overheating projects following periods of extreme summer heat. The money comes from the previously established £6.75 billion Estates Safety Fund, so it should not be described as entirely new funding. The major schemes remain subject to detailed design work and final business case approval.