A £12.8m urgent treatment centre (UTC) has been approved by NHSE at Leicester Royal Infirmary (LRI), while £39m in New Hospital Programme (NHP) funding has also been approved to begin essential enabling works on its three hospital sites: LRI, Leicester General Hospital and Glenfield Hospital.

UHL chief executive, Richard Mitchell, said: ‘The new UTC will make it easier for patients to access the right care quickly, reducing waiting times and improving their experience. 

‘The enabling works will mean we can move services and teams into purpose-built facilities and pave the way for the main construction phase of the NHP in 2032. 

‘Securing this funding is good news for everyone – colleagues, patients and partners – and is a big step forward in delivering our long-term vision to be leading in healthcare, trusted in communities'

Construction of the UTC is expected to start in the first quarter of 2026 ahead of a 2027 opening. NHP work will begin in early 2026 and is expected to finish in early 2028, paving the way for the main construction phase of the NHP in 2032. 

Natalie Forrest, chief operating officer at the national NHP, said: ‘This is very welcome news for the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. This investment will allow UHL to begin vital enabling works across its hospital sites, laying the foundations for modern, high-quality facilities in the years ahead. The NHP looks forward to working closely with the trust as these important plans progress.'