SENIOR figures from the Government programme behind the rebuild of Airedale Hospital have made a visit to the site.

The New Hospital Programme delegation – including senior responsible officer Natalie Forrest, transformation director Josie Rudman and finance director Dan Hancock – was given a tour of the existing buildings.

Members saw first-hand the structural and logistical problems faced at the Steeton hospital, which was largely constructed – in the late 1960s – using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete that was found to have a lifespan of 30 years and is now crumbling.

The delegation discussed with Airedale NHS Foundation Trust’s leadership team the plans for a new hospital, and how they would collaborate over the scheme.

It was confirmed earlier this year that Airedale had secured a place on the multi-billion-pound New Hospital Programme, after a submission made in 2021.

And last week the Department for Health and Social Care announced that extra funding would be released during this financial year for "enabling works", to prepare the site for construction.

Foluke Ajayi, chief executive of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, says: "We were delighted to welcome the New Hospital Programme team to Airedale to discuss the progress with our plans, and for them to see the challenges we currently face with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.

"It was reassuring to hear Natalie's support for Airedale and the team's understanding of our need to complete the construction in good time, and its commitment to supporting us through the journey.

"The teams discussed priorities for both organisations and best ways of supporting one another throughout the process.

"We will continue to work closely with the New Hospital Programme as we work through the milestones to deliver our new hospital."

Ms Forrest said: "It was a pleasure to visit Airedale and see the site of the new hospital first-hand. I was impressed with the planning that has been undertaken by the team to date, and look forward to working with it over the coming months and years as we deliver together for the community."

The trust has begun initial work, including ground investigations and biodiversity and traffic surveys, as part of its planning.

And it recently ran a public survey, which received around 500 responses.

Ms Ajayi added: "Further opportunities will be available for people to share their views as our plans progress – please keep an eye on our website, at airedale-trust.nhs.uk, for more details."