ELECTRICAL systems at Harlow’s ageing hospital—flagged as a “significant risk”—are among a list of issues that require significant investment over the next decade until a replacement hospital is built reports the Local Democracy Reporter.

Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow has said it will have to spend around £120 million over the next 10 years to maintain the estate, which includes keeping its electrics in good working order.

The hospital says it is facing the risk of system failures due to outdated wiring that does not have sufficient capacity to handle current electrical loads.

Its uninterruptible power supply (UPS/IPS)—critical for providing backup power during outages and ensuring the continuous operation of essential medical equipment—will also need a significant upgrade and installation investment.

Building a replacement for the 70-year-old Harlow hospital is expected to start in 2032 at the earliest, and it will take another five years before it is ready to receive patients.

A report to an Essex County Council health scrutiny committee meeting said: “The hospital’s electrical distribution system is ageing and has been identified as a significant risk.

“Issues include outdated wiring, insufficient capacity to handle current loads, and potential for system failures. We are carrying out upgrades and remedial works, with further investment in upgrades required.”

The report added that its ageing plumbing means it has issues with flow, circulation, and water temperature.

The report said: “We are carrying out upgrades and remedial works, with further investment in upgrades required. We also have significant issues with our drainage infrastructure, which has led to a number of recent operational issues and does not lend itself to affording a good environment for our staff.”

It also said that money is needed to install fire-stopping measures, such as aged and damaged fire doors and old fire system panels, wiring, and detectors. Other areas of focus include repairing and replacing lift components to maintain operational service.

It was first hoped the new hospital, which would cost between £1.5 and £2 billion, would open in 2028. Michael Meredith said at the committee: “We have had confirmed funding for the 2032 construction start date. That means we’ve been pushed back approximately 10 years.

“That means we will have to continue to invest in the existing site. The five key areas we think will need significant investment going forward are our electrical systems, water, ventilation, power supplies and fire.

“We’ve estimated that to be in the region of £12 million a year – £120 million over the 10-year period to get us to 2032/2033.

“We don’t currently have the availability of all that capital, but we continue to apply for capital and be awarded capital throughout the year.”

The location of the new site has yet to be agreed, but it is believed the preferred site is on land near junction 7A of the M11.

He added: “At the moment, the funding is the funding which will be available for a 2032 start date and nothing until that. The frustration for us comes from we need to keep the hospital running.”

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