The Manchester Evening News is calling on the government to urgently commit to the rebuilding of North Manchester General Hospital (NMGH), a critical healthcare facility that has fallen into disrepair. This redevelopment project holds the potential to not only modernize the hospital but also serve as a catalyst for transforming one of the most deprived areas in the country, bringing new opportunities and improving the overall well-being of the local community.

Revitalizing a Neglected Healthcare Facility and Empowering a Struggling Community

Crumbling Infrastructure and Substandard Conditions

Five years after Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised a "total rebuild" of NMGH, the hospital remains in a state of disrepair, with some of the oldest buildings in the National Health Service (NHS). The situation has reached an intolerable point, with operating theaters forced to close due to collapsed ceilings, poor ventilation that could increase the risk of infection, and visible mold on the walls from leaking roofs. The lack of single rooms means dying patients must be moved to open wards, and the limited space for outpatient clinics severely impacts patient care. The hospital's aging infrastructure, plagued by dangerous RAAC concrete, has become a significant burden, with staff constantly dealing with problems "every single day" just to keep the buildings functional.

Transformative Redevelopment Plans

Despite the dire conditions, there are sophisticated rebuilding plans that would transform NMGH into a center of NHS excellence. The proposed "health campus" would include a fully modernized district general hospital with state-of-the-art facilities, an education hub to attract and train the region's best healthcare professionals, new housing options, a wellbeing hub for community-based care, and commercial spaces to stimulate local businesses and job creation. This comprehensive redevelopment has the potential to be a catalyst for change, tackling health inequalities and improving the lives of those living in one of the most deprived neighborhoods in the country.

Repeated Promises, Delayed Action

The saga of NMGH's redevelopment has been marked by a series of promises and delays. In 2019, Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited the hospital and pledged a £500 million "total rebuild," stating that the government would provide the necessary funding. However, the full funding never materialized, and the project has been repeatedly delayed. More recently, Health Secretary Wes Streeting committed to the multi-million-pound plans, only to later apologize and say the plans needed to be reconsidered as part of the government's spending review on new hospitals.

The Urgent Need for Action

The people of Manchester deserve better. The Manchester Evening News is calling on the government, and specifically Health Secretary Wes Streeting, to commit to fully funding the new hospital and prioritizing the rebuild for 2025. The redevelopment of NMGH is not just about modernizing a healthcare facility; it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform the lives of those living in one of the most deprived areas of the country. By investing in this project, the government can bring jobs, housing, and community-based support, ultimately improving the health and well-being of the local population.

Widespread Support for the Campaign

The campaign to rebuild NMGH has garnered support from various stakeholders, including local politicians and community leaders. Blackley and Middleton South MP Graham Stringer has strongly endorsed the campaign, stating that the case for North Manchester is "absolutely overwhelming" on both health and employment grounds. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has also pledged to use his power to urge the Health Secretary to fund the project, recognizing the critical need for modernization and the potential for broader community impact. The Leader of Manchester City Council, Bev Craig, has emphasized the pressing need for a new hospital and the opportunity to deliver much-needed regeneration and job creation in the area.

A Transformative Opportunity

The redevelopment of North Manchester General Hospital is not just about bricks and mortar; it is a chance to transform the lives of those living in one of the most deprived communities in the country. By investing in this project, the government can bring jobs, housing, and community-based support, ultimately improving the health and well-being of the local population. The Manchester Evening News is calling on the public to sign the petition and join the campaign, urging the government to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who call North Manchester home.