Delight as two new hospitals at LGI given 'full go-ahead' by government

Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) has been given the 'full go-ahead' by government to build two new hospitals.
What the new Children's Hospital could look like.What the new Children's Hospital could look like.
What the new Children's Hospital could look like.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust is one of six across the country to be given a share of £2.7bn by the government, as part of its new Health Infrastracture Plan.

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The programme is designed to modernise hospital buildings and invest in new diagnostics and technology.

An artist's impression of what the new LGI site could look like.An artist's impression of what the new LGI site could look like.
An artist's impression of what the new LGI site could look like.

The plans for a new children’s hospital site opposite Millennium Square have been described as 'world class'.The adult facility, with new theatres for day case procedures and added critical care facilities, would be joined onto the Jubilee Wing, according to proposals previously laid out by LGI.

Mr Hartley said: “This is an historic development in the future of patient care in Leeds and the wider region.

“This investment will enable the Trust to take a huge leap forward in how it delivers care for patients from Leeds and beyond.

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“The benefits of this funding will be far-reaching. Leeds is a renowned centre for specialist services, providing treatment and care for patients from across the region, the North of England in in some instances, the rest of the UK.

“We will be able to develop healthcare based on advanced medical and digital technologies, innovation and research.”

The Trust acknowledges that many of its buildings are not fit for modern healthcare and it spends a large amount of money every year maintaining them.

It has a number of stages to complete before it can start building the new hospitals, but expects building to take around three years once it is underway.

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The new funding will mean a hospital site that is 'modern, environmentally sustainable and efficient', freeing up for cash for patient care.

The new buildings will form part of a planned Innovation District in Leeds, covering the two university campuses, LGI and the council's buildings.

City leaders hope it will bring together the institutions in a bid to attract new research facilities, create new opportunities and put Leeds at the 'forefront of research, learning and health innovation' in the UK.

LGI's Grade I listed Gilbert Scott Building, among others, will also be given a 'sympathetic redevelopment to preserve their fantastic heritage for the city'.

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Linda Pollard, CBE DL Hon LLD, Chair of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “This is amazing news. It will be a significant investment in health services for patients from Leeds and the wider region and a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the city of Leeds.

“It will help Leeds to take a huge leap forward in developing an Innovation District, putting the city at the forefront of developing health-tech and research, and attracting investment, skills and jobs to our region.”