In January this year, the government confirmed the funding and timetable for a new, state-of-the-art hospital for Harlow, following a review of its New Hospital Programme (NHP).
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) now falls into ‘wave two’ of the NHP and has been advised it can plan to begin construction in Harlow from 2032.
There has been extensive media coverage where hospital leaders have had the chance to respond to the announcement. In this guest blog post, we wanted to share our thoughts as the Patient Panel.
Going forward with certainty
It’s been five years since Harlow was first promised a new hospital and during that time the construction date has been pushed back several times. To finally get some certainty on the timings from the Secretary of State is a welcome relief.
And now we are clear on the timings, the Patient Panel will be working hard to ensure your voices are heard throughout the planning and delivery stages of the new hospital.
Over the coming years, the Patient Panel will work closely with PAHT leaders to deliver a new hospital that best serves our local population. With your input, we’ll make sure the thoughts, concerns and aspirations of patients are heard loud and clear.
The area served by PAHT is undergoing major expansion and housing growth: not just in Harlow, but in Bishop’s Stortford and Epping too. So we’ll be seeking answers to important questions such as: how will PAHT manage to cope with the town’s rapid expansion when it’s already under pressure? How will our community be guaranteed a new hospital that is future proof and flexible to the ever-increasing demands of a growing and ageing population?
We will be doing all we can to lobby to have the 2032 brought forward due to deteriorating state of the hospital and the increased pressure on services.
PAHT’s new chief executive, Thom Lafferty and outgoing chair, Hattie Llewelyn-Davies are deeply committed to building strong relationships with local people, as is Michael Meredith, chief strategy officer and executive lead for the new hospital, who has dedicated five years to bringing this project to life.
They are keen to hear firsthand the issues that matter most to you. To this end, we are holding regular events in the Harvey Centre in Harlow and Jackson Square, Bishop’s Stortford to discuss the future of the hospital on the current site, as well as the plans for the new hospital. We will be extending these events to venues in Epping soon.
On 15 April the Patient Panel will be holding a Meet your hospital leaders event in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Harlow. This is your chance to learn about PAHT’s future plans, including the new hospital, the rollout of Alex Health (new electronic health record), the Hertfordshire and West Essex Surgical Centre in St Albans, and more. The event will run from 2-4pm, and you are encouraged to share your views.
The event is free, but we kindly ask that you book your place via the Eventbrite link here.
All future meetings will be widely advertised through our local press, social media platforms, and in GP surgeries. So stay posted for details.
I really hope you will get involved: this is your new hospital after all. As patients, we are stronger and louder together, so let’s make a difference.
Ann Nutt BEM
Chair, Patient Panel