The new hospital: your questions, answered
Our frequently asked questions will help you to get the most up-to-date information throughout this exciting journey to our new hospital.
Take a look below and if you still can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please email us at [email protected]
The recently adopted Harlow Local Plan (page 62) has allocated the Hamstel Road hospital site for housing (approx. 550 homes). However, there is a fall-back clause allowing us to remain and redevelop the current hospital site if we are unable to relocate for whatever reason.
Discussions on what healthcare provision will remain in Harlow town centre and at St Margaret’s and Herts and Essex are underway as part of the development of our Outline Business Case. There are a number of options being considered at this stage and further detail will be shared.
We are part of an Integrated Care System working in partnership with local councils, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and others to manage resources and share knowledge to improve the health of the population we serve.
The partners in our local Integrated Care System have been closely involved in developing our models of care. This is to make sure our healthcare plans are aligned, and that collectively we can provide better and more joined-up care for patients.
We will be able to share further details on plans for community services in due course.
For over 50 years, The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust has provided a full range of general acute, outpatient and diagnostic services for the people of west Essex and east Hertfordshire.
Since we first opened, our hospital estate has undergone many additions and extensions to accommodate the growing range of medical equipment, the ongoing increase of specialist care, and the continued growth of the local population.
And whilst our buildings have undergone necessary modernisation, much remains as first built. This combination of original and additional space has created a setting where services can’t be provided in a streamlined and effective way.
So, despite the remarkable efforts of our hospital staff, who do great work every day against the odds, our hospital building is simply no longer fit for purpose. This is recognised by our local and regional stakeholders and by the Government.