The chief executive expressed frustration over the hospital delay, emphasizing the need for timely funding to modernize health services in Basingstoke
Basingstoke: So, Alex Whitfield, the chief executive, was pretty bummed about the news from the Labour Secretary of State for Health. It was announced in the House of Commons that the hospital plans are on hold until 2037. Can you believe that?
Wes Streeting, the Secretary, said all hospital programs will eventually be delivered, but Basingstoke is stuck waiting. That’s a long time to wait for a new hospital!
Alex told the Gazette that while they’re disappointed, they’re still hopeful. They’re expecting around £2 billion to modernize hospitals, just later than they wanted.
He reassured everyone that they’ll keep focusing on providing the best care possible in the meantime. It’s all about supporting the staff and patients with what they have right now.
The government’s review mentioned that the previous plans were unfunded beyond 2025, which is a big issue. The last Conservative government had promised £900 million for a new hospital, but it seems like that’s not happening anytime soon.
Basingstoke MP Luke Murphy also chimed in, sharing the frustration of the residents. But he’s glad there’s now a plan that seems more realistic for getting the hospital built.
