Parish councillors have demanded an urgent meeting with the Government over delays to a hospital’s new accident and emergency (A&E) department, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
The two-storey facility, which is set to be built next to University Hospital North Durham, was approved in January 2023 but is in limbo due to funding availability.
Members of the City of Durham Parish Council have warned that the prolonged delay is placing increasing pressure on the existing emergency department, which is already operating under significant strain.
In a letter to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, the parish council called for capital funding to be released so the project can continue.
It reads: “The Parish Council is particularly concerned about the wider implications of continued inaction. Without this urgent investment, not a single house more can or should be built in Durham until such a time as this critical issue is resolved.”
County Durham and Darlington NHS Trust said it still hopes to deliver the scheme, which would help cope with the increased demands on NHS services. But health officials previously estimated the number of A&E attendances could increase to 79,000 per year despite the facility being designed for just 30,000.
Initial plans for the development said Dryburn House, a Grade II listed former hospital building opposite the A&E facility, would be demolished to make way for the extension, while a memorial garden used by parents to remember their babies would be relocated.
The hospital’s East Wing corridor has been demolished but other works have been halted.
Susan Walker, chair of the City of Durham Parish Council, said: “Our residents will be deeply concerned by the ongoing uncertainty and the strain this places on vital emergency care services. We look forward to discussing this matter at the earliest opportunity to ensure that the health and well-being of our community is prioritised.”
A spokesperson for the trust said: “Any future development is dependent on securing sufficient capital funding and meeting planning requirements, including considerations linked to the listed Dryburn House building.
“While the redevelopment remains a key strategic priority for the trust, delivery will be dependent on funding availability and regulatory approval.”
Delays to the Durham hospital scheme come as patients have criticised the current parking provision at the hospital. Locals warned that people have missed vital appointments due to a shortage of available spaces.
Meanwhile, Shotley Bridge Hospital’s urgent treatment centre has been closed since July, and is not expected to open until at least March. During the closure, patients from the Shotley Bridge area have been redirected to University Hospital of North Durham.
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
