“We are delighted to announce that we have received confirmation from the Department of Health and Social Care that £99.5m of capital funding has been approved which is fantastic news for our patients.
“Cathy Jones, Deputy Chief Executive at Luton & Dunstable University Hospital said, “This means we can proceed at pace with the delivery of a new 5 storey acute services block at Luton & Dunstable University Hospital (L&D) to enable urgent replacement of some of the site’s most outdated estate. This will make a real difference to patient and staff experience by delivering new facilities for critical care, maternity services, the level 3 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and operating theatres”.
“Importantly, we now have the funding in place to realise the benefits of the planned merger between Bedford Hospital and the L&D, and are able to plan for long-term investment on both sites.
“Stephen Conroy, Chief Executive at Bedford Hospital said, “This is wonderful news for patients and staff in Bedfordshire and Luton and allows for planning for the merger of the two hospitals to progress including the implementation of Bedford Hospital’s Three Year Plan.”
“This much-needed investment in the local area is welcomed by both Trusts, and supports our ambition to continue to provide the best possible care to our diverse communities at a time of rapid housing and population growth and increasing demand for health services.
“We will update all stakeholders with news as our plans develop over the coming months.”