The government has unveiled a significant funding boost of over £212 million for the South East region, which will benefit patients in Hampshire by addressing crucial repairs to ageing hospitals.
The funding provided aimed to deliver vital maintenance in dire state hospitals to help prevent cancelled appointments and operations and reform them.
It will enable people to benefit from improved services and facilities throughout the health system.
In Hampshire, including the Isle of Wight and the two unitary authorities of Southampton and Portsmouth, six hospitals and one ambulance station will receive £21.25 million.
This includes the Gosport War Memorial Hospital, which is set to receive £6.401 million to improve its electrical systems and undertake fire safety works.
Southampton General Hospital and Princess Anne Hospital will receive £7.305 million to improve their electrical and ventilation systems and conduct external building fabric works.
According to the government, addressing the backlog of maintenance at NHS hospitals will help prevent cancellations, as services were disrupted over 4,000 times across England in 2023/24 due to issues with poor-quality buildings.
Secretary of state for health and social care, Wes Streeting, said: “A decade and a half of underinvestment left hospitals crumbling, with burst pipes flooding emergency departments, faulty electrical systems shutting down operating theatres, and mothers giving birth in outdated facilities that lack basic dignity.
“We are on a mission to rebuild our NHS through investment and modernisation.
“Patients and staff deserve to be in buildings that are safe, comfortable and fit for purpose. Through our Plan for Change, we will make our NHS fit for the future.”
Here is the list of the seven NHS buildings that will receive funding for “vital” improvements:
- Gosport War Memorial Hospital £6,401,000
- Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, Royal Hampshire County Hospital £1,630,000
- Isle Of Wight NHS Trust – St Mary’s Hospital £1,133,000
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Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust – Health Records Library, Totton Renal Services, St Mary’s Community Hospital, Queen Alexandra Hospital – £220,000
Improvements to water systems and communication systems. Fire safety works. Lift upgrade or replacement. - Solent NHS Trust – Western Community Hospital £3,873,000 to fire safety works.
- South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust – High Wycombe Ambulance Station and all Resource Centres £690,000
- Southampton General Hospital, Princess Anne Hospital £7,305,000
