The boss of Norfolk's crumbling hospital has dismissed new fears a replacement may not be ready before it becomes unsafe to use.

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, which needs more than 3,000 props and supports to prevent its roof from collapsing, was added to the government's new hospitals programme in May.

Eastern Daily Press: Staff celebrate after the government confirmed the QEH would be replaced Staff celebrate after the government confirmed the QEH would be replaced (Image: Chris Bishop)

It came after dire warnings the existing building would have to be abandoned after 2030.

Plans have been drawn up for an £862m replacement on what is currently the QEH's main car park and the first phases of work have begun.

Eastern Daily Press: A model of the new hospital (shown in pink)A model of the new hospital (shown in pink) (Image: Chris Bishop)

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Now a report to councillors warns work on a multi-storey car park needed to free up space for it may be delayed. The QEH's chief executive has said the delay will not impact on the new-build.

Eastern Daily Press: Jo Rust, pictured at a protest outside the QEH calling for a replacementJo Rust, pictured at a protest outside the QEH calling for a replacement (Image: Newsquest)

Jo Rust, West Norfolk Council's cabinet member for people and communities says in a report to full council: "I met with the CEO of the QEH and was rather concerned to hear that the deadline of having both phases of the multi storey car park open by January 2025 in order to be able to start the build of the new hospital by January 2026 might be a real challenge.

"So far the funding has not been released and is only due mid year 2024. It takes away all flex time and makes that burning bridge of 2030 even more worrying."

Eastern Daily Press: Hospital chief executive Alice WebsterHospital chief executive Alice Webster (Image: QEH)

Alice Webster, the hospital's chief executive, said: "As always we thank Cllr Rust for her continued interest and enthusiasm around the new hospital programme.

"Our position remains consistent in that we are continuing to work closely with the new hospital programme team.

"We are awaiting funding for the new multi-storey car park and while we now expect work to commence in mid-2024, we do not expect this delay will have an impact on the start date for our new hospital."