Norfolk and Waveney New Hospitals Programme
Two new hospitals. One shared opportunity.
More than £2.8 billion is being invested in two new hospitals for Norfolk and Waveney through the Government's New Hospital Programme.
The James Paget University Hospital and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn have been prioritised for replacement as Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) hospitals. As part of Wave 1 of the national programme, plans for both new hospitals are progressing through design and development.
While each hospital will serve the distinct needs of its local population, the two schemes are being delivered through a single Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group programme.
Bringing the projects together allows us to share expertise, strengthen oversight and make the best use of resources as we design and deliver two modern hospitals for future generations.
More than replacement buildings
The new hospitals are not simply about replacing ageing estates. They are an opportunity to rethink how healthcare is delivered, support new models of care, harness advances in technology and create modern environments that improve the experience of patients, visitors and staff.
Alongside investment in digital transformation, including a shared Electronic Patient Record, the programme is at the heart of the wider vision for the future of healthcare across Norfolk and Waveney.
Progress so far
The Strategic Outline Cases for both hospitals received approval from the Department of Health and Social Care in 2025/26, marking an important milestone in the programme. This means work has moved into the next stage of development, including detailed design, planning and business case development.
The Group’s construction partner, Skanska, was appointed in 2026. Working with the programme team from an early stage they will help to ensure the design and planning phases align fully align with their plans looking ahead to construction.
Teams across both organisations continue to work closely with clinicians, staff, patients, communities and partners to ensure the new hospitals are designed around the needs of the people they will serve for decades to come.
A once-in-a-generation opportunity
Together, the new hospitals represent the largest investment in healthcare infrastructure our region has ever seen. By working together across our Group, and alongside health and care partners, we can maximise the benefits of this investment and create healthcare facilities that are fit for the future and for generations to come.
Find out more