During his visit he saw firsthand how the new Leighton Hospital will implement clinical, digital, and environmental innovations to enable the trust to tackle inequalities and meet the needs of a growing and ageing population. Patients and staff will benefit from safe, state-of-the-art new facilities and improved care as Leighton Hospital is part of the Government’s commitment to rebuild six hospitals in the region. Patients and staff at Royal Preston Hospital will also benefit from modern hospital designs, making use of the latest technology, digital innovation, and sustainability to improve the overall patient experience and provide a better working environment for staff.

The Government has provided over £11m in funding to support the trusts in the progress of both hospitals to help find suitable locations that will meet the needs of staff and patients in Lancashire and South Cumbria. Jerry Hawker, director of transformation for NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board and senior responsible officer for Lancashire and South Cumbria New Hospitals Programme, said: “We were delighted to welcome Lord Markham to Lancashire and South Cumbria for the national New Hospital Programme roadshow. “We look forward to continuing to work closely with the national New Hospital Programme team and the Department for Health and Social Care, as well as our local NHS, council, and wider partners to deliver our plans to offer the absolute best in modern healthcare and address significant problems with the current ageing hospital buildings.”

Kevin Lavery, chief executive of NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, added: “The New Hospitals Programme is about more than just buildings – it is a once-in-a-generation investment that will give us the opportunity to transform how health and care is delivered in Lancashire and South Cumbria. “This is our chance to shape our services to meet the needs of our patients, staff, and local communities, to enhance their experiences, and, of course, to create hospital facilities that our present and future generations deserve.” Lord Markham also visited the new North Manchester Hospital site, which will include a new acute hospital, mental health facility, and a multi-storey car park, as well as affordable homes and accommodation for hospital staff. He said: “We are investing in new NHS facilities across the country so patients can access high-quality care in state-of-the-art hospitals, both now and in the years to come. “The North West will benefit from six new hospitals and I’ve been visiting some of the sites and speaking to patients, staff, and local leaders across the region about the plans and progress.

“These will help to improve care and allow patients to be seen more quickly, which will help to cut waiting lists – one of the Government’s top five priorities.” Underpinning the delivery of these projects, he added, are the Government’s new standardised designs, which mean hospitals  can be rapidly replicated across the country.