To consider the following Notice of Motion (2/21), submitted by Councillor S Dark:
“This Council recognises that the QE Hospital building and infrastructure in Kings Lynn has major structural issues and must be rebuilt urgently.
Whilst all in this chamber readily acknowledge and applaud the amazing work done by the staff and contractors at ‘our’ hospital over many years, brought sharply in to focus during the last 18 months of the pandemic, it is a simple truth that this great work is now being done in spite of, rather than supported by, a building built 40 years ago and way beyond its intended operational life span.
Whilst welcoming the news that the QE Hospital has just received £20M in emergency funding to put remedial measures in place in the operational areas most affected, this is clearly just a short-term ‘sticking plaster’ that does not mitigate the need for a match-fit, 21st century hospital capable of supporting staff, patients and visitors needs and having a key role in the entire region’s Integrated Care System, both now and in the future.
This Council formally resolves to continue standing shoulder to shoulder with the QE Hospital’s Leadership Team in their current bid for a new hospital for West Norfolk and the surrounding area alongside The County Council, region’s MPs and community campaigns will do all it can to help with and magnify their message.
To be absolutely clear, this Council will continue to urge, on its own and with others, the Secretary of State for Health to urgently approve a new build hospital to replace the Queen Elizabeth and to fast track its build and design.”
Minutes:
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Councillor Dark proposed the following Notice of Motion (2/21) seconded by Councillor J Rust:
“This Council recognises that the QE Hospital building and infrastructure in Kings Lynn has major structural issues and must be rebuilt urgently.
Whilst all in this chamber readily acknowledge and applaud the amazing work done by the staff and contractors at ‘our’ hospital over many years, brought sharply in to focus during the last 18 months of the pandemic, it is a simple truth that this great work is now being done in spite of, rather than supported by, a building built 40 years ago and way beyond its intended operational life span.
Whilst welcoming the news that the QE Hospital has just received £20M in emergency funding to put remedial measures in place in the operational areas most affected, this is clearly just a short-term ‘sticking plaster’ that does not mitigate the need for a match-fit, 21st century hospital capable of supporting staff, patients and visitors needs and having a key role in the entire region’s Integrated Care System, both now and in the future.
This Council formally resolves to continue standing shoulder to shoulder with the QE Hospital’s Leadership Team in their current bid for a new hospital for West Norfolk and the surrounding area alongside The County Council, region’s MPs and community campaigns will do all it can to help with and magnify their message.
To be absolutely clear, this Council will continue to urge, on its own and with others, the Secretary of State for Health to urgently approve a new build hospital to replace the Queen Elizabeth and to fast track its build and design.”
In speaking on the Motion Councillor Dark spoke in favour of his motion which he was pleased Councillor Rust would be seconding. He commented that the QEH was in the publics focus during the pandemic despite its infrastructure, not because of it. He drew attention to the County Council motion, and that a petition had been raised on the gov web site in order to raise awareness and force a debate in Parliament.
Councillor Joyce commented that al Labour Councillors would support the motion as it was too important to bring in politics. He congratulated Councillor Rust on rising above politics to second the motion.
Councillor Long, in supporting the motion drew attention to the need to come together for the wider community who deserved facilities as good as the rest of the county. He commented that the staff were doing a superb job despite the circumstances in a building which was 10 years over its life expectancy on construction.
Councillor Kemp supported the motion and drew attention to the fact that the QEH needed support for its business case and proper planning for the replacement of hospitals.
Councillor Moriarty spoke in support of the motion and thanked the staff working there.
Councillor A Tyler spoke in support of the motion and the need for a decent health service and hospital.
Councillor Jones supported the motion and as it was one of the largest employers in the area.
Councillor de Whalley expressed his support for the motion.
Councillor Parish in supporting the motion also drew attention to Councillor Rust’s seconding rather than proposing.
Councillor Rust in seconding the motion drew attention to the need to work together to shape and influence the future, and to the fact that if funding wasn’t forthcoming wards could have to close due to the danger of collapse. She drew attention to the rally she had been involved in in support of the Hospital, and expressed disappointment that the QEH was not on the first list of replacements. She undertook to continue to campaign to the Health Minister.
The motion was put to the vote
RESOLVED: The Motion was agreed unanimously.