Ambitious plans for a new hospital on the east coast were discussed during a visit by a government minister.
Lord Nick Markham, the minister in charge of the government's new hospitals programme, toured the James Paget in Gorleston on Wednesday, September 27.
He spent time talking to teams currently planning for the new hospital, as well as trust governors, patient representatives and staff.
The new site could be built according to the so-called 'Hospital 2.0' model, which would mean that parts would be fabricated off-site and then assembled in Gorleston.
Waveney MP Peter Aldous also attended alongside the New Hospital Programme visitors, as they were provided a tour of the James Paget, including its new concept ward which opened in May 2023.
READ MORE: Norfolk's new 'Hospital 2.0' to use techniques from pioneering football stadium
Lord Markham, parliamentary under secretary of state at the Department of Health and Social Care, said: “It was great to visit James Paget hospital and meet with staff and key stakeholders to discuss their plans for the new hospital – including showcasing how their new proposed hospital will look using the standardised design and Hospital 2.0 construction.
“We are committed to delivering 40 new hospitals by 2030, expected to be backed by over £20bn of investment, with three already open, with a further 23 schemes that are in construction or have started enabling works, of which two are expected to open this year.”
Following the tour, Lord Markham hosted roundtable discussions with clinical leaders and senior managers from across the hospital, as well as trust governors, patient representatives and councillors.
Jo Segasby, chief executive of the James Paget, said: “We were really pleased to be able to welcome Lord Markham and colleagues to the James Paget, and show the significant progress we are making ahead of building our new hospital in 2030.
“It was also a great opportunity to hear about the development of Hospital 2.0 and how it aligns to our own plans.”
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