WORK to build a new state-of-the-art Airedale Hospital is a step closer to starting.

The Department for Health and Social Care has announced that extra funding will be released during this financial year for "enabling works", to prepare the site for construction. The amount is still to be disclosed.

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

The existing building, which dates back over half a century, was largely constructed using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete which was found to have a lifespan of 30 years and is now crumbling.

There's a Government commitment to replace the Steeton hospital, and four others that are part of the programme, by 2030.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Airedale Hospital Airedale Hospital

South Craven MP Julian Smith says: "Airedale's inclusion in the New Hospital Programme is a massive win for residents across the area.

"Patients deserve access to exceptional care, and our fantastic doctors, nurses and other NHS staff deserve to work in a world-class environment.

"This latest funding news shows the continued progress the Department for Health and Social Care is making, and I look forward to further developments in due course."

And Keighley MP, Robbie Moore, says: "The Government's announcement of a new Airedale Hospital was one of the most significant investments announced for our community in decades and one of my proudest moments to date as Keighley and Ilkley's MP.

"It is fantastic to be working with the New Hospital Programme team, and this latest funding announcement shows that these exciting plans are continuing to move at pace.

"Delivering our new Airedale Hospital is about so much more than bricks and mortar; it’s about guaranteeing that each one of us can access world-class facilities and care in a modern hospital that is fit for the future.

"I look forward to working closely with the Government and our fantastic Airedale NHS Foundation Trust to see the delivery of this landmark project by 2030."

The trust's chief executive, Foluke Ajayi, said she was "delighted" to receive confirmation of the additional funding.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Airedale Hospital is in need of improvement Airedale Hospital is in need of improvement

She added: "This will allow us to progress the plans for our new hospital.

"We are currently at the first stage of this exciting journey.

"A number of key projects have begun, including carrying out some ground investigations and biodiversity and traffic surveys, which will allow us to plan for our next steps.

"We also recently ran a survey to help shape our plans for the new hospital, which received around 500 responses from members of the public.

"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."