Hampshire's new hospital has been delayed until at least 2032 because dangerous concrete has been found in other hospitals across the country.
Lord Nick Markham, the Under Secretary of State at the Department of Health and Social Care, visited Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital as part of the Government's New Hospital Programme on Thursday, September 28.
The visit was to discuss the government’s plans to build 40 new hospitals by 2030 with staff, patients and local leaders. The programme is expected to be backed by over £20 billion of investment in hospital infrastructure.
In 2020, the government announced the New Hospital Programme (NHP) and committed to building 40 new hospitals by 2030. One of the areas confirmed for a new hospital was Mid-Hampshire, but due to unforeseen delays, this is now not expected to be completed until at the earliest 2032.
Lord Markham said: "This is due to us becoming aware, about a year ago, of a number of hospitals in England were discovered to have RAAC in the structures.
“If these hospitals were not built by 2030, the sites would need decommissioning which would have big impacts on the affected areas."
Steve Brine MP who attended the visit said : "Thanks to the rather dashing Lord Markham for coming to Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - at Basingstoke Hospital - to go through our place in the New Hospital Programme."
