The Cambridge Children's Hospital project in the UK has received ministerial approval, allowing the detailed process of appointing a contractor to commence.
This project represents a collaboration between Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, and the University of Cambridge.
Construction of the facility is anticipated to begin in 2026.
The project’s outline business case has secured green light from the Chief Secretary to the UK Treasury and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
This decision follows a capital affordability review by NHS England and the Department for Health and Social Care's Joint Investment Committee.
An in principle approval was granted in September 2023 and concluded with a positive recommendation in April this year.
Endorsement in August reinforces confidence in the financial readiness of the project, which aims to serve patients throughout the East of England.
The hospital's design incorporates input from young people, children, families, and healthcare professionals in the region, ensuring that the facility will cater to the needs of all stakeholders.
Preparatory groundworks were completed in July, and new access roads have been established at the site of the new five-storey hospital. Spanning 35,000m², the facility will be situated opposite the Rosie Maternity Hospital, on Robinson Way and Dame Mary Archer Way.
This institution is expected to be the first to integrate mental and physical healthcare for children and young people.
Fundraising campaign for Cambridge Children's Hospital has already crossed the halfway point, keeping the project on target to achieve its £100m ($132m) philanthropy goal.
The hospital will also be home to a University of Cambridge research institute dedicated to preventing childhood illness and promoting early intervention in both mental and physical health.
Efforts are now focused on completing the full business case, which is the final stage of the business case process for the hospital.
Cambridge Children’s Hospital Mental Health clinical lead Dr Isobel Heyman said: “The current model of mental health care is inadequate. Many children with physical ill-health also have significant mental health needs, and vice versa.
“Cambridge Children’s Hospital offers a solution. By delivering holistic care for children, young people, and their families, this not only reduces stigma, but revolutionary model of care really does act as a blueprint for NHS and the future of healthcare.”
