Supporting development of the new Hospital 2.0 plan for QEH
Since being re-elected, James has continued to make delivering the new QEH his number one priority. Having successfully campaigned to secure the hospital's place in the New Hospital Programme his focus has been on ensuring the new Government maintained momentum behind the scheme.
Following the Government's review of the New Hospital Programme, James raised the future of the QEH with ministers and in Parliament, pressing for a commitment to continue the last Conservative government’s pledge to build a new QEH. In 2025, the Government confirmed that the hospital would continue to be rebuilt under the programme and has confirmed up to £1.5 billion in funding.
James has continued meeting regularly with QEH’s executive leadership team and the New Hospital Programme to monitor progress and delivery timescales. He has continued raising the project in Parliament through questions and debates, while working with ministers to help keep the programme on track.
In the latest development, he welcomed the appointment of Skanska UK as the contractor responsible for delivering the new hospital through the NHS Hospital 2.0 Alliance, another significant milestone towards construction.
Getting the Multi-Storey Car Park Built
Since the General Election, James has continued pressing for progress on the multi-storey car park, the key enabling project required before construction of the new hospital can begin on the site of the existing car park. He has pressed in Parliament for ministers to approve the businesses case for the key project.
As the scheme progressed, he also worked with NHS England and hospital leaders through the necessary administrative stages, recognising that any delay to the car park would delay the new hospital.
Following approval, James was on site for the start of construction in June 2026 and will continue to review progress, meet with QEH leaders and construction contractors to ensure work continues without complications.
Improving Our Healthcare
Alongside the new QEH, James has continued working to improve healthcare services across North West Norfolk. He has held regular meetings with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital's executive leadership team to discuss hospital performance, waiting times and the delivery of local healthcare services.
James has continued monitoring Care Quality Commission findings and engaging with NHS organisations to ensure patients receive high-quality care. He has also worked closely with ministers and Norfolk and Suffolk ICB to support proposals for the Lynn Health Hub to become a Neighbourhood Health Centre.
He has also supported Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust on plans for a Neighbourhood Mental Health Centre in King's Lynn and has continued discussions around improving mental health provision and support for people with neurodevelopmental conditions. Alongside investment in new facilities, James is working to strengthening the services available to local residents and fight health inequality.
A New Health Hub for South Lynn
The opening of the new £11.5 million South Lynn Health Hub in March 2025 marked an important step in improving healthcare closer to home. Since then, James has continued working with the Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board and local NHS organisations to maximise use of the facility and expand the range of services available to residents.
James has also supported proposals for the Health Hub to become West Norfolk's Neighbourhood Health Centre, recognising the opportunity to bring more community healthcare services into South Lynn while helping reduce pressure on the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. He continues engaging with NHS leaders to ensure the facility delivers the full benefits originally intended.
New Diagnostic Centre at QEH
James helped secured funding from the last government for the Community Diagnostic Centre at QEH, recognising the difference that faster access to tests and scans can make for patients.
The Diagnostic Centre opened in September 2024 and is now providing patients with improved access to diagnostic services, helping identify conditions earlier while reducing pressure on the existing hospital. James continues to support investment in modern healthcare facilities that improve patient care now while work continues towards the delivery of the new QEH.
