MARIA Miller MP is set to host a community chat on the next steps in the process for a new hospital in Basingstoke.

The community chat comes after health secretary Steve Barclay reconfirmed the government's commitment for new hospitals across the country on May 25. 

It had been announced in 2020 that Basingstoke would be given a new hospital as part of a £3.7 billion government funding package, but earlier this year plans were put into doubt because of fears over insufficient funding and rising costs.

READ MORE: £800m awarded by government for new Basingstoke hospital

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded £800m to build a new hospital for mid and north Hampshire, with discussions due to take place over the best location for the new hospital. 

Basingstoke Gazette: Maria Miller MPMaria Miller MP

The two potential sites are land off Junction 7 of the M3 or the current site of Basingstoke hospital, but it appears that the Junction 7 site is the preferred site following discussions in Parliament. 

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Attendees at the community chat can expect to hear from members of the local Hampshire Hospitals Trust about the progress and plan to move forward with a new hospital.

The chat is set to take place at Rooksdown Community Centre between 6:30pm and 8pm on July 6, with members of numerous organisations including Hampshire Hospitals expected to be present.

More information on Maria Miller can be found at maria4basingstoke.co.uk. To attend the community chat at Rooksdown Community Centre, visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/community-chat-new-hospital-for-basingstoke-tickets to get a ticket for free.