Decision details

To receive a verbal update from the Chief Executive Officer at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, specifically on the significant investment and  improvements being made to Leighton Hospital, Crewe

James Sumner, Chief Executive of the Mid Cheshire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust attended the Committee and gave a verbal update on building at Leighton that followed on from a previous presentation to this Committee in April 2021.

The Committee heard how Leighton Hospital was built in the 1970s, and 85% of the building materials used contained asbestos and reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete panels that were now recognised as unstable materials.  There was no research on how long those materials would last but by 2035 it would all need to be replaced. 

Following consultation with external architects, three options had been identified for the future of the hospital:

1) The option to remove roof planks, recover and build new roof.  This would take ten years and cost £660million;

2) The option to create new wards would cost £800million; and

3) The option to completely rebuild the hospital and future proof it would cost £660 Million and take 3-4 years to complete the works.

A business case has been drafted on each option.   

The hospital has been submitted as part of a bid for eight national places that included retention of the critical care and theatres, but for a new build.  Regional NHS teams have selected Leighton, but this doesn’t indicate the bid will be successful nationally.

£15 million of national funds had been received to extend Accident and Emergency (A&E), and this will open mid-January.

The Committee were given the opportunity to ask questions, and there was some discussion that included the 30-year future proofing of Leighton Hospital alongside major expansion schemes such as HS2, ambulance delays being at the highest rate they have ever been at however Leighton had the shortest ambulance hand over time despite being one of the busiest hospitals.  Leighton and Macc have lowest number of patients waiting twelve hours or longer in A&E.

RESOLVED:

That the Chief Executive of the Mid Cheshire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust be thanked for his attendance and contribution to the Committee meeting.