Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore has continued his campaign for a new Airedale Hospital, raising the environmental benefits of a rebuild for the hospital.
Speaking in Parliament, Moore referenced plans submitted by the Airedale NHS Foundation Trust for a new hospital, which would be Europe’s first-ever carbon neutral hospital. He asked Health Minister Maria Caulfield if she agreed these are exciting plans, and if
“they are another reason why we should try to achieve a new Airedale Hospital in my constituency?”
In her response, the Minister praised Moore’s campaign on this issue, and stated she understands the “urgency” behind the case for a new hospital.
This represents the latest step in a long campaign by Moore to secure a new rebuild. He has previously held his own debate on the matter in Parliament, and has met regularly with the Prime Minister and Health Secretary to make the case for a rebuild. In June, he even took a piece of aerated concrete which had detached from the Airedale to Downing Street, to highlight the severity and structural risk of the current Airedale Hospital Building.
The Government have previously selected 40 new hospitals for a rebuild, with a further eight to be announced in due course.
Robbie Moore MP said: “Since being elected, I have made absolutely clear my view that the Airedale Hospital needs and deserves a rebuild. Whilst it continues to provide an exceptional service to my constituents, the structural risk of the building is too great, meaning a rebuild is essential.
The NHS has an important role to play in our national attempts for Net Zero, which is why I was delighted to see the Airedale NHS Foundation Trust’s release plans for Europe’s first-ever carbon-neutral hospital. Of course, we need a new hospital due to the structural risk associated with the current aerated concrete design, and I am therefore using every opportunity to talk up the new plans with Government Ministers.
I was glad to hear the Government recognise the importance of my campaign, and I will not stop lobbying them until we deliver a new rebuild.”
