Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Department will publish any direction or funding condition requiring Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust to open a replacement Frimley Park Hospital by 2035.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided on 16 July to Question 17075.

The Department remains focused on the seven priority reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) replacement schemes as soon as possible through the New Hospital Programme, including Frimley Park Hospital.

While work at RAAC-affected sites has so far ensured facilities can operate safely beyond 2030, there is still a level of risk with all sites.

Maintaining capacity while being scrupulous about RAAC monitoring and mitigation until the RAAC can be removed is fully in line with the current evidence and recommendations of the Institution of Structural Engineers.

The recent, comprehensive, and independent report into the seven RAAC schemes being delivered through the New Hospital Programme is available at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/raac-strategic-planning-assessment-of-the-raac-7-hospitals