Minutes:
Alastair Stewart and Freya Sledding presented an update on
the redevelopment of Airedale Hospital.
Alastair explained that over 80% of the current hospital
estate is constructed using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC),
which requires significant annual expenditure to mitigate the associated risks.
As a result, Airedale was selected as one of 16 trusts in Wave 1 of the
national New Hospital Programme. There is an indicative construction start date
between 2027 and 2028. Alastair confirmed that the Trust has been given a fixed
funding envelope and must work within this budget to deliver the new hospital.
It was explained that the redevelopment will take place on
the existing hospital site. Key features include the construction of a
multi-storey car park and a new access road, which will facilitate the
development of the other zones and ensure operational continuity during
construction.
Alastair explained that the government is using a new
standardised approach called Hospital 2.0 to design and build hospitals.
Instead of each trust creating its own plans from scratch, trusts are given
pre-designed building blocks – like templates for wards and treatment areas –
which they can arrange to suit their needs. This method helps save money and
makes the building process more efficient. A key feature of the new design is
that all patient rooms will be single occupancy. It was also noted that the new
hospital will be built vertically as a multi-storey facility, replacing the
current low-rise layout and making more efficient use of space.
Freya described the development of a new clinical services
strategy, aligned with system priorities and informed by extensive engagement
with clinicians, patients, and partners. The strategy supports a shift from
acute to community-based care, with services such as diagnostics, imaging, and
outpatient care being increasingly delivered in local settings. The Trust has
already begun this transition through facilities at Skipton General Hospital
and Settle Health Centre and the strategy is intended to guide service
development through to 2040. It was reported that the strategy aligns with both
the Bradford District and Craven Place Strategy and the North Yorkshire Joint
Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
Freya also outlined the Target Operating Model (TOM)
workshops, which are helping to define how services will be delivered in the
future. The first phase involved mapping 25 clinical pathways, and a second
phase of workshops is now underway to refine and standardise future models of
care. A range of services are being considered for delivery in the community,
including imaging, radiography and more. These workshops are engaging
stakeholders, with patients expressing a preference for mobile units and one-stop
clinics, which offer greater convenience and accessibility.
Board Members welcomed the update and acknowledged the
significance of the redevelopment. The importance of progressing quickly to
mitigate inflationary pressures was emphasised. The opportunity to strengthen
links with community development and Town Investment Plans in Skipton and Selby
was highlighted. It was requested that a future update be provided to the
Skipton and Ripon Area Constituency Committee.
Resolved
a) That the update is noted.