Extract From Cheshire East Health and Wellbeing Board Minutes Tuesday 15t Sept

Extract From Cheshire East Health and Wellbeing Board Minutes Tuesday 15t Sept

6.59.Healthier Futures Update

To receive a presentation on the update of the Healthier Futures programme.

Minutes:

The Board received an update from Russ Favager, Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, on the Healthier Futures Programme and the development of the new Leighton Hospital. The Board was advised that significant progress had been made since the previous update, including the approval of planning permission, appointment of the main construction contractor and approval of the Strategic Outline Case. Members were informed that construction remained on schedule to commence in 2028, with completion anticipated in 2032. The proposed hospital would comprise a six-storey building with a footprint equivalent to approximately four football pitches.

The Board noted the wider campus masterplan which included:

• Development of a 1,000-space multi-storey car park.
• A future Christie cancer care facility located on the Leighton site.
• A research, education and training centre.
• Community diagnostic and neighbourhood health facilities within Crewe town centre. 

Emphasis was placed on the proposed £52 million Community Diagnostic Centre and Neighbourhood Health Hub in Crewe, which would provide diagnostics, outpatient appointments, screening services and neighbourhood-based care closer to residents’ homes. Members noted that the proposal aligned closely with the national neighbourhood health agenda and ambitions to reduce unnecessary hospital attendance.The presentation also highlighted significant social value opportunities arising from the £1.4 billion programme, including local employment, apprenticeships, skills development and opportunities for local businesses. Members were informed of a forthcoming "Meet the Buyer" event designed to maximise participation from local suppliers, with over 200 businesses already registered.

The Board discussed:

• Active travel opportunities associated with the development.
• Public transport connectivity.
• Clinical and service transformation.-The need to ensure future community-based services are developed consistently across Cheshire East.
• The relationship between the new hospital programme and neighbourhood health delivery. 

The Board welcomed the progress made and emphasised the importance of future updates focusing on community service transformation, neighbourhood health services and prevention rather than solely hospital infrastructure development.