Green light for Crewe’s Leighton New Hospital

Part of the first tranche of the government’s new hospitals programme, Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been given the green light to build a new hospital in Crewe.

Cheshire East Council has approved the Trust’s hybrid planning application for a new six-storey replacement hospital, which will be built on land next to the current Leighton Hospital.

The approved plans also include a new cancer care centre, and a multi-storey car park with space for 1,000 vehicles.

One of the main features of the new hospital will be single bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms for all patients staying overnight. These rooms can help reduce the spread of infections, support recovery, and give patients and their families more privacy.

The new hospital will use modern technology to help improve patient care and safety. Smart systems will help manage heating, lighting and air conditioning. They will also make it easier for people to find appointments, use waiting areas, and locate parking spaces.

Building work on the main hospital is expected to start in summer 2028 and the new facility is planned to open by 2033.

Russ Favager, the Trust’s Board Senior Responsible Officer for Leighton New Hospital Programme, said: “We have a bold, long-term ambition to develop a health and care neighbourhood in Crewe, with this new hospital at its heart. The approval of our planning application is a major milestone in this journey.

“While the new hospital is much needed, our plans go beyond a physical building. This development supports our long-term strategy to transform how care is delivered by reducing unnecessary time in hospital and strengthening prevention and neighbourhood-based care closer to home, in partnership with community and primary care services.

“There’s still a lot of work to do before the new hospital opens, so we will continue to keep our local communities and partners fully informed and engaged every step of the way.”