FURTHER fears have been raised over funds to build a new hospital for Basingstoke and refurbish Winchester hospital at a meeting with council chiefs and hospital bosses.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board presented plans for hospital services across the county to Winchester City Council’s health and environment committee on January 31.

The plans are for a new specialist acute hospital in Basingstoke, using more than £800m government funding, at either the current hospital site in Aldermaston Road, or at land off Junction 7 of the M3.

Basingstoke Gazette: Health and environment committeeThe plans also include a refurbishment of Winchester hospital.

However, further concerns about funding were raised by Winchester councillors after it was reported in the Gazette last week that the money is not guaranteed.

READ MORE: Government confirms new hospital funding is not guaranteed

Cllr Charlie Wise said: “I can't share the optimism that the money will come. I can't imagine us seeing this money. I just can't see it happening.”

Danny Chambers, Winchester Liberal Democrat election candidate, said: “This has caused a lot of anxiety. I'm concerned about the funding. Have you got written confirmation that the project is funded in full?”

Alex Whitfield, chief executive of HHFT, said: “The hospital buildings are at the end of their usable life. If you were to build a new hospital today, it wouldn't look like the Royal Hampshire County Hospital. We think the option we are proposing is better for all patients.”

Cllr Jonny Morris asked if the funding of between £700m and £900m had been guaranteed.

Ms Whitfield said: “The national new hospitals programme has a very clear budget up until 2030 and then has an indicative budget beyond that.

SEE ALSO: Hospital trust issues update on 'critical incident' at Basingstoke

“The Department of Health and Social Care wrote to us and said the budget for Hampshire is £700m and £900m and we should progress to develop a plan to then write an accurate business case. Until we have a site and a model, we can't be specific about exactly how much money we need. After that there will be an indicative envelope, ready and waiting for us put in our pitch to.”

Cllr Neil Bolton said: “This is an enormously complex problem. You're not going to please all the people all the time. I'm reassured that you're not politically influenced. I hope the money comes as I'm sure it will.”

Concerns were also raised about public transport links, with Max Priesemann saying: “Why are there no plans for improved transport links? Patients who don't drive will be even more disadvantaged.”

Ms Whitfield said: “There currently isn't public transport to the proposed site at junction seven.”

The debate will be used to inform the council's official response to the consultation, which is open until March 17.

For more information go to hampshiretogether.nhs.uk/.