THE MP in charge of the NHS (National Health Service) paid a visit to Basingstoke this morning, to hear about plans to build a new hospital in the town.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt was given a tour of Basingstoke hospital, where he spoke with Mary Edwards, chief executive of the Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, about the new £150million Critical Treatment Hospital proposed for North Waltham.

The 48-year-old was also joined by Basingstoke MP Maria Miller, chairman of the Trust Elizabeth Padmore and divisional medical director for medical services Carl Brookes, who is married to the sister of Prime Minister David Cameron.

The group toured the hospital’s Emergency Department and spoke with staff about their work there, before visiting The Firs, a unit for older people at the hospital.

The unit provides 24-hour nursing care for patients recovering from illness or injury, with the aim to prepare them for going home following their treatment.

The Gazette requested an interview with Mr Hunt during his visit, but this was denied.

However, Mr Hunt did answer two questions put to him on the spot.

When asked why Basingstoke voters should trust that the NHS is safe in the hands of the Conservative Party, Mr Hunt told The Gazette: “I think looking at the hospital, I can see it is doing incredibly well. It has got a good Emergency Department and good local GPs and I think most people in Basingstoke will feel they are well served by the NHS.”

The new Critical Treatment Hospital will see groundbreaking consultant-led treatment delivered 24/7, which is a different model currently used by the NHS. 

The hospital will treat patients in a critical or life-threatening condition, with staff dealing with major trauma injuries, heart attacks, strokes and other emergencies.

It will have specialist Emergency Department consultants available 24 hours a day, and will have CT and MRI scanners running around the clock.

When asked about the future of consultant-led care and if it will be rolled out to other hospitals across the NHS, Mr Hunt responded: “These things have to be decided locally and different measures suit different hospitals but it is an exciting opportunity for the area.”

Basingstoke MP Maria Miller said: "I am delighted that the Health Secretary was able to visit the hospital in Basingstoke and see at first hand the amazing work being done by our nurses and doctors.

"I was particularly pleased that he could see the work of GPs in the Emergency Department, linking together all parts of the health care service.”