PRESSURE is mounting for Basingstoke MP Maria Miller to ‘prove’ that funding to build a new hospital in Basingstoke exists.

As previously reported, fears have been raised that there is no funding to build a new hospital for Basingstoke after an inquiry found ‘no confidence’ that the government will deliver on its promise to build 40 new hospitals.

READ MORE: Funding fears raised over new Basingstoke hospital as inquiry finds 'no confidence' in project

The highly critical Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report said the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) told members that the current funding for the New Hospital Programme (NHP) “does not include” hospitals in cohort 4 which have been delayed until the 2030s.

Plans to build a new Basingstoke hospital at either Junction 7 of the M3 or the current site in Aldermaston Road, are in cohort 4.

The PAC recommends that HM Treasury should agree explicitly in writing whether the cohort 4 schemes are to be met from the current agreed funding.

A petition has been launched by Stacy Hart, the Women’s Equality Party (WE) borough council election candidate for Hatch Warren and Beggarwood, calling for Dame Maria to ‘show us the money’ and make sure the new hospital is funded in the Spring Budget on March 6.

It has since been signed by almost 300 people and has also received cross-party support.

Cllr Paul Harvey, leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, said: “The people of Basingstoke and North Hampshire deserve the truth. If the money is actually there then let us have that confirmation in an absolute guarantee in writing as the Public Accounts Committee says we should and then we can move on with the proposals with the certainty our communities deserve.

SEE ALSO: NHS in Hampshire launches consultation on new hospital plans

“If it is not guaranteed then we need to know why not given the promises that have been made and those making those promises need holding to account.”

Dame Maria is adamant that the funding has been ‘ringfenced’ but declined to comment on the PAC report.

She said: “Eight months ago the NHS Hampshire Hospital chief executive Alex Whitfield announced that ‘ringfenced’ funding has been secured for our new hospital to open its doors in 2032. She has now confirmed that commitment was received in writing.

"At the same time, I also received a letter from the then health secretary confirming that ‘the scheme for Hampshire hospitals will be fully funded through our New Hospital Programme.’

“On top of all of this, we also know the NHS would not have been allowed to start the current public consultation if funding had not been secured from the Treasury.

“The Government will not re-announce the funding for our hospital because it has already been announced, in parliament, in the media, and in writing, plus there is an ongoing public consultation.

“The Public Accounts Committee report on Government funding which was published in November will receive a response from Government in the usual way.

“So, in Basingstoke, let’s get back to what doctors, nurses and other medical professionals want: for everyone to be working together with residents, through the current public consultation, to plan for the opening of our new hospital, so that it can be delivered even sooner if the opportunity presents itself.”

A letter sent to Dame Maria from MP Steve Barclay, the former Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said the NHP will be backed by more than £20bn investment, adding: “I am pleased to confirm that the scheme for Hampshire hospitals will be funded through our New Hospital Programme.”

He continued: “The next steps for the trust will be to secure the proposed new site and begin working through the planning application for the potential new site, which the certainty of the announcement today will allow.”

Alex Whitfield, chief executive at HHFT, added: “We were delighted to receive a letter in May 2023 confirming that we are part of the government’s New Hospital Programme with a committed investment of between £700 million and £900 million to improve hospital facilities and hospital services across Hampshire for decades to come.

“We’d like to hear what people think of these proposals and that is why we are running a public consultation. To find out more, attend an event, or complete our questionnaire, visit hampshiretogether.nhs.uk. The consultation is open until midnight on 17 March 2024.”

The DHSC and HM Treasury have not yet responded to a request for a comment. 

To view the petition click here.