Waltham Forest and Redbridge councils have launched a campaign to pressure the Government into delivering fast track redevelopment at Whipps Cross Hospital amid fears of flooding.
The hospital was forced to cancel 582 planned surgeries and over 100 outpatient appointments in July after flash floods caused major damage.
Local MPs Sir Iain Duncan Smith, Stella Creasy, John Cryer, and Wes Streeting joined Leader of Waltham Forest Council, Cllr Grace Williams and Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Jas Athwal, in launching the cross-party, cross-borough campaign to get a new hospital for north East London.
Speaking about the campaign, Waltham Forest Council Leader Cllr Grace Williams said:
“Our NHS staff have worked heroically throughout the pandemic and to have the hospital A&E close and vital operations cancelled due to flooding is yet another kick in the teeth to patients and staff alike.
“We know that due to climate change flooding is more likely in the future and without a completely new hospital it is only a matter of time before flooding disrupts the hospital again.
“Leaders from across both the political divide are here together to say to Government Whipps Won’t Wait.”
Last year, the Prime Minister committed £3.7billion for 40 hospitals by 2030 but exactly how much funding Whipps Cross will get – and when – is still in negotiation.
Whipps Cross is one of eight “pathfinder” schemes that are part of the Government’s flagship New Hospitals Programme.
Subject to planning and business case approvals, it is anticipated that the completion of the new hospital will be by the end of 2026.
The proposed redevelopment will increase yearly capacity to 226,000 emergency patients at the new site, as well as 25,000 additional outpatient appointments - meeting local healthcare demands and delivering positive health outcomes.
Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Jas Athwal, added: “Over the past 18 months, we have all been reminded of just how invaluable our NHS is.
"The recent floods demonstrated just how vital current redevelopment plans are.
“Many Redbridge residents rely on Whipps Cross.
“Redbridge Council stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Waltham Forest in this campaign to reinforce the message #WhippsWon’tWait.”
You can show your support to demand government funding by signing the petition #WhippsWontWait here.
READ MORE: Whipps Cross patient, 103, mistakenly had no food before his death
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