CONCERNS have been raised about plans to build a new hospital by stakeholders who took part in a consultation.

Analysis published on Hampshire Together’s consultation on plans to build a new hospital for Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust shows comments from those who gave their views through interviews.

Students and staff from Queen Mary’s College raised concerns about the proposed location of the hospital on land at Junction 7 of the M3.

“There are no current good transport links to Junction 7 site, this will badly impact upon carers and those visiting patients if they come from Basingstoke,” a statement from the Cliddesden Road college said.

READ MORE: Doubt cast over new hospital plans ahead of government announcement on spending

There was clear recognition of the current challenges facing acute hospital services delivered at Winchester and Basingstoke hospitals.

In an interview with Andover Mind, a representative said: “I think that the Basingstoke [hospital] is very tired, the current hospital is very tired anyway, and isn’t necessarily all that disability friendly, there are steps in the car park and things like that.”

The proposals plan to separate planned care from specialist and emergency care, which Andover Mind was in support of.

A representative said: “[It] is really helpful, because a lot of people we see with mental health are suffering from a long-term condition and need surgery [...] the stress and the anxiety of when it gets put off is quite real. So, I think that is a really good idea...”

SEE ALSO: Promises over new hospital builds were 'cruel ploy' says health secretary

Regarding the possible location for a new hospital, representatives of Home-Start and MNVP (Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership) discussed the benefits of building a new hospital near Junction 7 of the M3 compared to building on the current Basingstoke hospital site.

Shorter construction timetable, less disruption to current services, and room to expand in the future were all cited as benefits of the preferred location at Junction 7.

“The disruption to the hospital service itself would be massive,” they said of building at the current hospital site, adding that at Junction 7 there is “room to expand as need expands”.