What are your priorities for healthcare services in Hampshire? That’s the question being asked by local NHS organisations as they embark on a project to upgrade hospital and health services across the county.
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the trusts chosen to receive funding as part of the Department of Health and Social Care’s Health Infrastructure Plan (HIP), which is designed to support 40 hospital building projects across the country between 2025 and 2030.
Alex Whitfield, chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals, which runs Andover War Memorial Hospital, Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital and Royal Hampshire County Hospital, in Winchester, said: “We are looking forward to working with our staff, patients and the public to ensure that we create a healthcare infrastructure that is fit for the future.
“By working alongside our partner organisations in health and social care, our aim is to develop services that deliver the right care, in the right place, at the right time for communities across Hampshire
“As a first step, we have created an online survey, giving people the opportunity to express their priorities for healthcare services. There are a number of possibilities under consideration and at this stage nothing has been ruled in or out, so we need as many people as possible to tell us what they think is most important as we set off on our journey.”
Since the announcement in September, the trust has been carrying out preliminary work with the government and partner organisations to work out the best way to take the project forward. Confirmation of guidelines and initial funding to produce a business case has now been received and a team is being brought together to begin the work.
“Our hospitals are much-loved and have done great service, but they were built many years ago and are now showing their age,” Alex added. “We are delighted that central government has recognised this by awarding us Health Infrastructure funding – and look forward to a time when we can provide a more modern environment, designed for the needs of our patients and staff both today and in the future.”
Visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ModernisingOurHospitals to take part in the survey, which will close at 9.00am on Wednesday 18 March.