THERE could be a longer wait for vital funding to refurbish Furness General Hospital, the health secretary has suggested.

The Government will deliver the schemes in the previous administration’s New Hospitals Programme but it may be over a longer timeframe, Wes Streeting said.

The hospital is in line to receive major funding as part of the programme amid a maintenance backlog of more than £20 million. 

Mr Street told BBC Breakfast that the Government was reviewing the programme but added: “In terms of the schemes that were on what the last government called the New Hospitals Programme, I am determined to deliver those schemes.

“But I might have to do it over a longer period of time because I’ve got to make sure, firstly, the money is there, secondly that the timetables are realistic and we’ve got the supply chain, the labour and the resources that we will need, and thirdly I’ve got to balance the need for new bricks and mortar alongside the need for new technology.”

The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer further pledged to continue with the new hospitals building programme set out by the previous Conservative government, though exact details have not yet been published.

The comments came amid a damning report from respected surgeon and former health minister Lord Darzi, which lays bare the problems in the health service.

The rapid review, carried out in nine weeks, says the health service 'is in critical condition, but its vital signs are strong'.

The Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board has been working on plans under the New Hospitals Programme, due to include major funding for FGH and a new hospital in Lancashire.

Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, previously announced a review of the programme, claiming the Conservative government committed to it 'without anywhere close to the funding required'.

Regarding the review, a spokesperson for the NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria previously said: “We are in the early stages of working up proposals for Furness General Hospital as part of the national New Hospital Programme.

“Investment is needed in Furness General Hospital’s infrastructure in the context of its strategic importance and geographically remote location.

"We welcome and await the outcome of the national New Hospital Programme review.”