The MP for Huntingdon, Ben Obese-Jecty, has received confirmation about the future of the RAAC-filled buildings at Hinchingbrooke Hospital.

Mr Obese-Jecty , a Conservative MP, submitted a written question to the Government, asking what the "remaining lifespan" is for the buildings at the hospital that are built from reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) panels.

In 2023, there was a nationwide crisis involving RAAC which saw many buildings, including Hinchingbrooke Hospital, deemed dangerous.

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That same year, Hinchingbrooke Hospital was identified as one of the five hospitals with RAAC that would be rebuilt as part of the New Hospital Programme.

However in July 2024, Mr Obese-Jecty raised concerns to The Hunts Post that the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, could delay the rebuilding of Hinchingbrooke Hospital after a round of spending cuts were announced.

Ben Obese-Jecty was concerned about the future of Hinchingbrooke Hospital.Ben Obese-Jecty was concerned about the future of Hinchingbrooke Hospital. (Image: Roger Harris)

However, the Huntingdon MP has received confirmation that Hinchingbrooke Hospital will be rebuilt as part of the New Hospital Programme, which has been deemed a "priority".

Karin Smyth, the Labour MP for Bristol South, who is also a Minister of State for Secondary Care, responded to Mr Obese-Jecty: "We are clear that hospitals built wholly or mostly with RAAC, including Hinchingbrooke Hospital, will be replaced through the New Hospital Programme as a priority.

"We are undertaking a full review of the programme to provide a thorough, costed, and realistic timeline for delivery, and to recognise the particular needs of the RAAC hospitals.  

"The review will be completed this autumn, and once concluded, Parliament will be updated on the next steps for the programme."

An artist's impress has been released of the new Hinchingbrooke Hospital, in Huntingdon.An artist's impress has been released of the new Hinchingbrooke Hospital, in Huntingdon. (Image: BDP)

Mr Obese-Jecty said that it was "reassuring" to "finally" receive the confirmation from the Government regarding the future of Hinchingbrooke Hospital.

He added that he will "push" the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, for some confirmation of the timeline regarding the rebuild of Hinchingbrooke Hospital.