Basingstoke Gazette launches campaign to 'Build Our Hospital'

But five years since that promise was made as part of the Government’s election manifesto, Basingstoke still does not have a new hospital and doubts have been raised as to whether there is even funding available to build it.

It was announced last year that Basingstoke hospital is one of eight projects to be delayed, and that a new hospital will not be built until 2032.

Then, the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), admitted that the £22bn funding for the programme does not include Basingstoke hospital.

READ MORE: Government confirms new hospital funding has not been agreed

We are urging the government to commit to our hospital (Image: Newsquest)Today, the Gazette is launching a campaign – backed by political leaders from across Basingstoke – calling on the Government to ‘Build Our Hospital’.

We want confirmation that the money to build Basingstoke hospital is there and we want the Government to commit to progressing plans to build a new hospital for Basingstoke sooner.

Our hardworking NHS staff are working in crumbing buildings that are no longer fit for purpose, and millions of pounds is being wasted on maintenance every year. Hospital staff and residents who live in Basingstoke deserve better.

We were promised a new hospital by 2030. The Government should honour that promise and ‘Build Our Hospital’.

SEE MORE: New Basingstoke hospital petition signed by hundreds

Join our campaign (Image: Basingstoke Gazette)

Councillor Paul Harvey: Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council

"I support the Gazette campaign. I support the Hospital Trust who are doing amazing work to bring forward plans for a new hospital, which will be so important to the future of health care in Basingstoke. There is no question of whether people support a new hospital, I for one support a new hospital.

“The point is whether the money is guaranteed and there is evidence from the Department of Health that it is not, and I respect the Public Accounts Committee investigation. So, we need the issue resolved – Basingstoke needs and deserves a new hospital – we’ve been promised a new hospital – all the Government has to do is write guaranteeing without question or qualification that the money is actually there and ringfenced for Basingstoke."

Councillor Jacky Tustain: Basingstoke Labour Group leader

“Basingstoke residents deserve quality healthcare, and our hardworking staff at the hospital want to give this to them. But the hospital needs a lot of work. The hospital trust has said what it must have to give even better services to serve our residents, using its resources best. This includes a new hospital. We demand a solid commitment from the government on funding and a clear deadline to complete our new hospital.”

Stacy Hart, Women’s Equality Party Basingstoke branch leader

"Few issues are more vital for Basingstoke residents right now, both those who need hospital care and those who work so hard for the hospital trust, that's why the Women's Equality Party Basingstoke is supporting the Gazette's ‘Build Our Hospital’ campaign.

“Our own petition highlighted the large gap between the promised Government funding and the money that has actually been allocated to Basingstoke. I hope that the ‘Build Our Hospital’ campaign demonstrates the depth of feeling on this issue and encourages Dame Maria Miller MP to get the Chancellor to show Basingstoke the money in the Spring Budget."

Alex Whitfield, chief executive at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

“We welcome the Basingstoke Gazette encouraging people to get involved in the public consultation – this is an opportunity for everyone to have their say on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest up to £900 million in two excellent hospitals for Hampshire.

“Under the proposals, more than 550,000 residents – from Bishop’s Waltham to Andover and Eastleigh to Tadley – would benefit from improved hospital facilities and services. The proposals would see a brand new hospital for specialist and emergency care in or near Basingstoke, and significant investment in Winchester hospital which would have a new dedicated planned surgery centre, a doctor-led 24/7 urgent treatment centre, same day emergency care services, inpatient beds, and a midwife-led birthing unit.

“We were delighted to receive a letter in May 2023 confirming that we are part of the government’s New Hospital Programme with a committed investment of between £700 million and £900 million.

“To find out more, join us at an event, or complete our questionnaire, people can visit www.hampshiretogether.nhs.uk.”