Bedford Hospital is to receive a share of more than £10 million to improve ventilation, heating, electrical systems, and other essential infrastructure, as part of a wider £147 million government funding package for schools and hospitals in the East of England.
The £10,523,000 earmarked for Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will support critical maintenance and upgrades across both Bedford Hospital and Luton & Dunstable Hospital, including energy systems, security measures, and internal building improvements.
The funding is part of the government’s ‘Plan for Change’ investment programme, which aims to modernise NHS and school buildings to improve services and reduce the risk of disruption.
Nationally, poor infrastructure led to more than 4,000 appointment and operation cancellations in 2023/24. The investment aims to reduce these risks by addressing long-standing issues such as leaky roofs, outdated fixtures, and inadequate heating and ventilation.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said the money would help rebuild and modernise NHS buildings after “a decade and a half of underinvestment”.
“Patients and staff deserve to be in buildings that are safe, comfortable and fit for purpose,” he said.
Simon Corben, director of NHS estates and facilities at NHS England, added: “Too many buildings have been allowed to fall into disrepair, putting patient safety and staff working conditions at risk…
“Every pound must be spent wisely, with clear accountability and a laser focus on improving frontline care.”
The upgrades at Bedford and L&D will be delivered during the 2025-2026 financial year, with some improvements expected to start this summer.
The investment is part of a £67 million package for 55 NHS sites across the East of England, with a further £80 million allocated for urgent repairs at 106 schools and sixth forms across the region. No schools in Bedford Borough have been included.
