Hillingdon Council has called on the government to reaffirm its commitment to building the new Hillingdon Hospital, expressing concerns about recent indications that the project may be reviewed.
In a letter to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Council Leader Cllr Ian Edwards highlighted local worries following Mr. Streeting’s letter to MPs, where he described the New Hospital Programme as “undeliverable and unaffordable.” This review includes the planned Hillingdon Hospital, which had received planning approval in January of last year.
Cllr Edwards emphasized, “This has caused significant concern among the residents of Hillingdon, who have been eagerly anticipating the much-needed improvements to our local healthcare facilities. It is no secret that the current Hillingdon Hospital is in urgent need of modernisation to meet the growing demands of our community.”
Cllr Edwards referenced Mr. Streeting’s comments during a June visit to the hospital, where the Health Secretary said it was “the worst hospital I have ever seen as shadow health secretary, indeed as a member of parliament.” Mr. Streeting further noted, “Staff are working in intolerable conditions, patients are sweltering in intolerable conditions.”
The proposed new hospital aims to provide modern facilities and improved patient care, backed by funding assurances from the previous government. During his June visit, Mr. Streeting stated, “I’m making a commitment today that the next Labour government will deliver the modern state-of-the-art hospital that the people of Hillingdon need. And we will do it in the first term of a Labour government.”
Cllr Edwards stressed that the decision to review the project without consulting the local community undermines trust. He urged the Health Secretary to confirm that the government will uphold its promises, saying, “I urge you to reassure our local community that you are indeed a man of your word and that the commitments you made regarding the construction of the new Hillingdon Hospital in the first term of a Labour government will be honoured.”
The council now awaits a response from the Health Secretary as local residents continue to seek clarity on the future of the new hospital.
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