Philip has once again set out the case for investment in Airedale hospital to government ministers – following a recent visit.
The Shipley MP met with Chief Executive Foluke Ajayi and Independent Chair Andrew Gold to discuss the current building work and challenges facing the hospital. He was also taken to parts of the hospital currently being repaired and rebuilt.
The Trust has submitted a bid to secure funding for a new hospital as part of the New Hospital Programme and a decision from government is expected shortly.
Philip said: “I have been very clear to government ministers that Airedale needs investment and I will keep making this point. The staff across the Trust do a fantastic job caring for patients but it is very obvious building work needs to be done.
“I was also told of ongoing challenges facing the Trust due to the pandemic and I will be reporting all of this back to ministers.”
Repair works are underway at the hospital to make the building structurally secure. Materials used to build large sections of the hospital are thought to have a lifespan of 30 years but the hospital is now more than 50 years old.
Philip added: “The need for investment is clear and both myself and Keighley MP Robbie Moore have been very clear about this and are lobbying ministers at every possible opportunity.”