A verbal update from the Airedale NHS Foundation Trust on the Airedale Hospital rebuild.
Minutes:
Eleanor Nossiter, Airedale NHS Foundation Trust Head of Communications and Engagement and Freya Sledding, Airedale NHS Foundation Trust Clinical Director provided a presentation which updated Members on the site preparation and design of the new Airedale Hospital and raised the below points:
· Work was underway to prepare the site, including a planning application for a new multi‑storey car park and access road submitted before Christmas to ensure sufficient parking.
· Additional preparatory works included securing a new electricity supply, constructing a power substation, establishing a contractor compound for vehicles and equipment, and removing overhead power lines.
· All patient‑facing services will remain on site during redevelopment whilst some administrative and support functions will relocate off site.
· A single‑phase build is being explored in line with national RAAC guidance, with construction anticipated to begin in 2028/29 subject to an outline planning application being submitted this summer.
· The hospital design is progressing in line with the national Hospital 2.0 model, incorporating modular construction methods and standardised layouts.
· The new hospital will provide single en‑suite rooms for all patients to improve experience, infection control and recovery.
· Engagement with the local community is informing hospital priorities and the development of community based services.
· Digital technology will be fully embedded in the hospital’s design to enhance wayfinding, equipment tracking, clinical workflows and overall care delivery.
· A clinical strategy has been developed to guide services across hospital and community settings, aligned with the Bradford District and Craven Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
· Plans include shifting some elements of care into community settings by 2040, such as outpatient appointments, imaging and radiology, diagnostic tests, mobile units and one‑stop clinics.
· A Target Operating Model is being developed to describe how services will be delivered from 2030 onwards.
· Public engagement indicated strong preference for improved wayfinding, accessibility, natural light, green spaces and a welcoming, inclusive hospital environment.
Members welcomed the verbal update and raised the following points:
· The urgency of completing the hospital rebuild as quickly as possible was emphasised.
· One Member suggested revisiting previous work on Mid Craven healthcare provision, highlighting overcrowded healthcare facilities and proposing renewed collaboration across NHS services, council land assets, GP practices and other stakeholders, which the Airedale team welcomed and agreed to re-engage in these discussions.
· Concerns were raised about parking capacity and transport links, particularly access from the railway station.
· Members welcomed the focus on community based services and sought assurance regarding the future use and viability of Skipton Hospital and satellite sites.
· Questions were raised about the proposed footbridge across the bypass, challenges with patient transport access and the need for improved drop‑off facilities.
· Concerns were noted regarding single occupancy rooms potentially reducing patient socialisation. The Airedale team outlined mitigations including dedicated ward social spaces and increased group rehabilitation activities.
· The team confirmed significant improvements to parking layout, overall capacity, accessible parking provision and electric vehicle charging points.
· In response to one query, it was confirmed that the programme is fully Government funded with no PFI involvement.
· It was confirmed that solar panels were included in the car park design, with wider energy strategy details to follow as the design progresses.
· Ongoing challenges were noted in ensuring patients are fit for discharge and improving pathways to support timely and effective discharges.