Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP has welcomed an update from the Department of Health and Social Care regarding the future of Airedale General Hospital following the publication of a national report into hospitals constructed with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).
Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State for Health, confirmed that while RAAC remains a concern, Airedale can continue operating safely beyond 2030 thanks to ongoing mitigation measures. However, between 1-6% of RAAC planks remain inaccessible and unremediated. These are known and actively managed, but they continue to pose a residual risk. Additional challenges, such as pinhole leaks in pipework causing slow water ingress, add further complexity.
The Government is spending £1.6 billion over the next four years to complete RAAC remediation across seven affected hospitals. Airedale NHS Foundation Trust will also receive £49 million in operational capital to address local infrastructure needs, including RAAC-related issues.
The Minister praised the resilience of Airedale’s staff, noting that while patient safety has been maintained, including during the successful relocation of the ICU, overall operations remain disrupted.
RAAC, combined with other factors such as ward size, lack of single rooms, and infection control limitations, means Airedale remains a Wave 1 priority for the New Hospital Programme. The New Hospital Programme will deliver a completely rebuilt Airedale General Hospital. When built, it will deliver a next-generation, sustainable, digitally enabled facility based on the Hospital 2.0 model. Construction is scheduled for 2027–2029.
Commenting, Julian said, "I welcome this update and the commitment to keep Airedale safe while work continues on delivering a new hospital. RAAC remains a serious concern, but I want to thank the incredible staff at Airedale for their resilience and dedication in maintaining patient safety and care under challenging circumstances. I will continue to press for progress so that construction starts on time and we get the new hospital as soon as possible."
You can read a copy of the Minister's letter here.
