Funding boost to upgrade and refurbish local hospitals

Local hospitals and health centres are set to benefit from shares of a £600 million government pot to tackle critical maintenance work. 

The funding will help to refurbish wards, as well as support brand new electrics and upgraded ventilation systems. 

This includes seven projects in Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, and 14 projects in Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust. Each have received £4,832,000 and £1,382,000 respectively to carry out the work, which will be completed by March 2021.

Tameside Hospital will benefit from vital improvements to key facilities, such as re-roofing the Ladysmith Building, replacing the ventilation system for Hartshead North, and refurbishing the lift system for the Charlesworth Building.

For Stepping Hill Hospital, this includes a new build facility to provide two additional scanners, refurbishment of the Maternity 3rd Floor Birthing Rooms, and additional works such as re-wiring, additional ventilation, re-roofing, fire alarm upgrades, and removal of asbestos.

Funding will also be provided for 10 projects in Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust, and two projects in Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust - including £20,000 for an upgrade at Buxton Health Centre.

The money is part of the £1.5 billion announced by the government in the summer to "level up hospital infrastructure across the NHS". While £600 million will be spent on critical maintenance upgrades, the remainder will be spent on modernising mental health facilities, expanding A&E capacity, and improving infection control over winter. 

The news has been welcomed by High Peak's Conservative MP Robert Largan, who commented: "I am delighted that Stepping Hill Hospital, Tameside Hospital, and local health services across Derbyshire, will benefit from Government funding to carry out vital maintenance work over the coming months. I have been campaigning hard for these improvements since being elected last year.

"These crucial projects will deliver immediate benefits and provide NHS staff with the facilities they need to provide world-class care to patients from High Peak."