Hundreds of local people have seen the designs for the new Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn (The QEH), at a series of public engagement events in recent weeks.
The QEH, which was built using Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), has been earmarked as a national priority for a full rebuild under the New Hospital Programme.
More than 450 local people attended a series of in-person and virtual gatherings throughout June and July, in which they heard about plans for the new facility, which is set to open in 2032.
Public showcase meetings were held in Downham Market, Marshland St James, South Wootton, Swaffham, King’s Lynn and Hunstanton. Those in attendance were able to speak to the hospital’s specialist teams, view the designs and ask questions.
Innovative design
The designs have been created using the national ‘Hospital 2.0’ standardised blueprint design for all new hospitals. At the heart of the building is a central communication spine, providing easy access to all parts of the hospital.
Critical clinical services – including Maternity, Theatres, Emergency Care, and Diagnostics – will be co-located in a central podium to allow for faster care. Separate corridors, or ‘flows’, for patients, visitors, and facilities services have been designed to ensure privacy and efficiency across the site.
Attendees also got a glimpse into how digital technology will play a role in the future of care delivery at the hospital, with innovative systems being introduced that will support patients and ease the burden on staff.
Community support
Peter Cox, Programme Director for New QEH, said: ““What struck me most was the strength of feeling – the passion, the insight, the challenge.
“Our community isn’t just behind this project, they want to help shape it. The conversations we had were open, honest and inspiring and they’re already influencing our thinking.”
Further engagement events have been planned for early 2026 to update people on more detailed designs and plans.
The new hospital will be located on the site of the current main car park and construction is expected to begin in 2028, following completion of a new multi-storey car park.
