Why we need a New QEH
Picture taken in 2021 before recent safety works
The QEH is a Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) hospital, which was built in 1980 and designed to last 30 years. RAAC is a lightweight form of concrete used to manufacture pre-cast planks which have been used to build QEH and are in the roof and walls of 79% of the main building.
We have a robust rolling safety programme to install steel and timber support props and ‘failsafes’ across the first floor of the hospital to maximise safety for our patients, visitors, and staff. We currently have 8,598 steel and timber support props in 56 areas of the hospital – across our wards, waiting areas, clinic rooms and office spaces.
The Government is committed to eradicating RAAC in hospitals by 2035.
In December 2025 a national report into the safety of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) hospitals, of which The QEH is one, was released by the Department of Health and Social Care. The independent report assessed the seven RAAC affected hospitals as safe to remain open beyond 2030. This is the result of the remediation, mitigation, and safety works Trusts such as The QEH have undertaken and will continue to undertake.
This report reinforces our position on the national New Hospital Programme – we need a new hospital for the people of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk as soon as possible and we have a team of people in place who are dedicated to deliver this.
This report gives us a greater understanding of RAAC and how we can continue to maintain the safety of our building as we progress these plans.
We remain incredibly grateful for the tireless support of our patients, their loved ones, our staff, and our local community.
We have a strong and well-known Case for Change driven by four key areas:
The current hospital has reached end of life due to Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC)
Improvements recommended in patient and staff surveys – as well as in CQC inspection reports and described in the Trust’s risk register – relating to RAAC and the operational impact on the running of and people’s experience of the hospital
Challenges in workforce retention, satisfaction and wellbeing relating to our estate and RAAC
The current hospital can no longer meet current or future forecast increases in demand
Being part of the New Hospital Programme gives us a once in a generation opportunity to bring world-class healthcare facilities benefitting the communities we serve – and this has been passionately and unanimously supported by the people and organisations of Norfolk, Lincolnshire, and Cambridgeshire.
Providing you with the best care while we plan your new hospital
Although we have been confirmed as one of the Government’s new hospital schemes, we know it will take a number of years to go through the necessary planning and approvals process and build the hospital.
As a RAAC hospital, The QEH will continue to need significant annual investment and it will be crucial that we continue to invest in our hospital during this time to maximise safety and make sure we provide the best care and experience we can for our patients, their families and our staff.
