Reading’s Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH) has issued a statement over the uncertainty following the Chancellor’s announcement on Monday (July 29) of a review of the Conservative’s New Hospitals Programme.
The Tories had pledged to build 40 new hospitals by 2030 and the RBH has been fighting for the £2.4 billion required to build an entirely new hospital but Chancellor Rachel Reeves has now said the whole programme is under review, throwing the RBH plans into considerable doubt.
The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust has been fighting for funds to replace the leaking, crumbling RBH on a separate site at either Thames Valley Park or Thames Valley Science Park. But, following Ms Reeves’ announcement, the axe hangs over the scheme.
Ms Reeves said only one new project unveiled under the programme has opened to patients and only six have begun their main construction. She then announced that a complete review will be undertaken into the new hospitals programme.
A spokesperson for the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are seeking further clarification from the Government about what today’s announcement means for the redevelopment of the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
“More delays to providing facilities that are fit for the future will be disappointing news for our patients, staff and our wider community.
“The Secretary of State for Health and the Chancellor have repeatedly acknowledged the poor state hospital estate – and the RBH certainly falls into that category.
“We have made our case for a new hospital loud and clear – our staff and patients deserve world class health facilities. We do not believe the current ‘make do and mend’ approach is sustainable in the long term. It is costing us tens of millions of pounds a year to keep on top of maintenance work on old buildings which are steadily deteriorating meaning maintenance costs are steadily rising.
“Despite these challenges, our staff continue to deliver safe, high quality healthcare services day in day out to our local communities.”
Image: Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading – geograph.org.uk_- 830153
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