NHS leaders warned today that multi-billion-pound building repair bills are growing at an “alarming rate” as an investigation revealed 115 chemical leak incidents in hospitals’ patient areas in a year.

NHS Providers deputy chief executive Saffron Cordery’s warning came after a Freedom of Information request by the Lib Dems also found evidence of broken fire alarms in some facilities.

She said: “Keeping patients and staff safe is vital. High-quality care depends on having reliable buildings and equipment.

“Too many NHS buildings and facilities are in a very bad way and getting worse.

“Trust leaders have warned long and loud about the eye-watering cost of trying to patch up creaking infrastructure and out-of-date facilities.

“The multibillion-pound repairs bill is growing at an alarming rate.”

She added that many trusts were “deeply disappointed” after a National Audit Office report last month warned the government is on track to break its promise to build 40 new hospitals by 2030.

The watchdog found delays in projects mean the target is not likely to be met, with only 32 hospitals in England classed as “new” by ministers set to be completed in 2030.

Ms Cordery said: “Many trusts in the government’s New Hospital Programme were deeply disappointed to learn that their building plans won’t be delivered before 2030.

“It was even more frustrating for those that missed the ‘cut’ and weren’t given any funding at all despite expectations.”

The Department of Health and Social Care said: “Patient safety is our top priority and we are investing record sums to upgrade and modernise NHS buildings so staff have the facilities needed to provide world-class care.”