Following discussions with NHS England (NHSE) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the Hampshire Together: Modernising our Hospitals and Health Services programme has rescheduled its planned public consultation for later in 2021.
Hampshire Together remains part of the government’s New Hospital Programme and, if it is decided that the best way forward is to create a new hospital for Hampshire, it is still on course to begin construction by 2025.
Dr Matt Nisbet, clinical lead for business and partnerships at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Partnership of CCGs, said: “We were ready to consult with the public in January as per our original plan, but following discussions with our national partners we have collectively taken the decision to reschedule public consultation until later in the year.
“This will enable us to undertake further work so we can put forward the best case to get the very most for everyone across the area.”
Hampshire Together is recognised for being one of the more advanced projects within the second phase of the New Hospital Programme and work will continue at pace. This will include additional engagement work with staff, patients and the general public as well as on the clinical model and services.
Alex Whitfield, chief executive of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are very grateful for the extensive assistance we have received from colleagues at NHSE and the DHSC throughout.
“Holding our consultation later in the year brings us into line with the wider national programme and will bring additional rigour to our assurance process.
“In addition, it is important to note that the continued and increasing pressures of COVID-19, along with the largest vaccination programme ever to be undertaken in this country, mean that anything to reduce demands on our staff at this time can only be a positive.
“Finally, I’d like to say a huge thank you to the NHS staff and all of our partners, who have worked incredibly hard over the last few months to get the programme ready for consultation. The work carried out so far will be invaluable when we do come to consult with, patients, staff and the public.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- Hampshire Together involves NHS and social care providers across Alton, Andover, Basingstoke, Eastleigh, Winchester and the surrounding areas. It is being led by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Partnership of Clinical Commissioning Groups and West Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group, in partnership with Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
- The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Partnership of Clinical Commissioning Groups and West Hampshire Clinical Commissioning Group are responsible for planning and commissioning NHS services across north and mid Hampshire. This involves assessing local needs, deciding priorities and strategies, and then buying services on behalf of the population from providers.
- Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides acute hospital services at Andover War Memorial Hospital, Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital and Royal Hampshire County Hospital, as well as some services either at or close to patients’ homes.
- The Government has confirmed that 40 new hospitals will be built by 2030 through the New Hospital Programme, which is part of the Health Infrastructure Plan.
