Whipps Cross Hospital: Redevelopment

Sir Iain Duncan Smith (Chingford and Woodford Green) (Con) asked the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care about the timetable for announcing the outcome of the review of the new hospital programme in relation to the proposed redevelopment of Whipps Cross hospital. The Secretary of State, Wes Streeting, acknowledged that Whipps Cross hospital serves his constituents as well as those of Sir Iain Duncan Smith. He expressed frustration that the previous government's new hospitals programme had an unrealistic timetable and insufficient funding, which will run out in March. Streeting assured the House that the current government will deliver a credible timetable and a fully funded programme, providing clarity and consistency for their constituents. Sir Iain Duncan Smith noted that Whipps Cross hospital had received £1.2 million to undertake a business case, but that this money has now run out. He urged the Secretary of State to ensure the hospital receives the additional £5 million required to complete the business case, warning that without this, the hospital will lose the architects and builders, leading to an extra £50 million in costs over the next year. Mr Calvin Bailey (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab) agreed that his constituents at Whipps Cross hospital have had to endure years of the previous government's "photo opportunities" without any real progress on the project. He asked the Secretary of State if he agrees that only a fully costed, long-term approach from the Labour government can deliver the modern healthcare his constituents need. The Secretary of State acknowledged Mr Bailey's point, stating that his constituents, and indeed constituents across the country, deserve honesty, clarity and consistency in order to turn the new hospitals programme from a "press release into reality" and restore trust in politics. Mr Peter Bedford (Mid Leicestershire) (Con) raised concerns about the government's review of the new hospitals programme, which would have seen investment in Leicestershire. The Secretary of State responded that the funding was not actually in place, and that the previous government's claims of a funded programme were simply not true. Ms Stella Creasy (Walthamstow) (Lab/Co-op) noted that she has personal experience of using Whipps Cross hospital, and knows firsthand how desperately it needs redevelopment. She asked the Secretary of State if he agrees that finally getting this project moving under a Labour government will also deliver much-needed homes in the local community, in a "win-win situation". The Secretary of State agreed with Ms Creasy, stating that the government is mindful of the role the NHS plays as an "economic anchor institution" in communities, and that these projects can unlock new housing sites and local transport infrastructure.