Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore has stepped up his campaign for a new Airedale Hospital in his constituency. For the second time, Moore used the rare opportunity to speak at Prime Minister’s Questions to lobby Boris Johnson for a new hospital.
Since being elected, Moore has led the campaign for a new Airedale Hospital, which is in desperate need of a rebuild. Moore cited the issues which make this the case directly to the Prime Minister, including 83% of the building being made from aerated concrete, which is known for its structural deficiencies and the fact that the Airedale is now over twenty years older than its original life expectancy. As a result, as Moore told the Prime Minister, some wards are closed due to structural risk.
At the end of last year, the Airedale Hospital submitted its bid for a full rebuild to the Government, following an announcement that a further eight hospitals will be rebuilt on top of the forty already announced. This included plans for a new hospital to be constructed on the same site as the current one, which would be Europe’s first ever carbon-neutral hospital. With an announcement expected on the bid shortly, Moore has been sure to lobby the Government as much as possible.
In his response to Moore’s question, the Prime Minister referred to Moore as a “doughty campaigner” for his constituents. He assured Moore that the Government is reviewing the Airedale’s application, with a further announcement expected this year.
Robbie Moore MP said: “Securing a new Airedale Hospital for my constituency has been one of my top priorities since being elected. I have held my own personal debate on the matter in Parliament, and this was the second time I have used a rare opportunity of a question at Prime Minister’s Questions to call for a full rebuild.
The Airedale Hospital and its staff continues to provide a fantastic service for my constituents, even more so than usual during the pandemic. However, we cannot deny the problems the hospital is facing, including the weaknesses of the aerated concrete it is mostly made from. This is why the Airedale Hospital needs, and deserves, a full rebuild.
I was pleased to hear the Prime Minister say our bid will be considered, but I will continue to lobby him, as well as the Health Secretary Sajid Javid hard to ensure the Airedale Hospital gets the full rebuild it needs.”
