AN MEP fears that a proposed hospital which was set to be built north of Winchester could be under threat in the wake of Brexit.

The multi-million pound project to set up a new critical treatment hospital could miss out on £100 million funding according to Hampshire MEP Catherine Bearder.

The project by Hampshire Hospitals NHS Hospital Foundation Trust was in discussions with the European Investment Bank (EIB).

The bank says it cannot lend to the UK at the recent high levels and all lending decisions by the EIB have to be approved by all EU member countries, meaning other countries have a veto.

Ms Bearder says this puts the project into jeopardy and comes after two NHS clinical commission groups say the cost of the project was too high.

She has written to EIB chief Werner Hoyer asking to meet to discuss this project.

Ms Bearder said: “Decreased lending from the European Investment Bank is yet another symptom of Brexit.

“EIB chief Werner Hoyer has said, following the vote to leave the EU, there will be a reduction in lending to British projects.

“The proposal to build a critical treatment centre in the heart of my constituency is absolutely vital and I will fight tooth and nail to ensure this vital service to provide care to critically ill people is not dropped.”

Plans for the hospital near North Waltham were unveiled in February of last year, and could treat thousands of critically ill patients.

The NHS believes it is crucial for a modern health service, although there are fears it could lead to the downgrading of the RHCH.

The Chronicle understands that no funding from the EIB has yet been applied for from Hampshire Hospitals NHS Hospital Foundation Trust, but they have discussed the matter with the investment bank.

Chief Executive of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Mary Edwards said “We have explored a number of financing options including the NHS, the EIB and commercial options.

“We would review all of these options once final agreement to proceed with the project to build a Critical Treatment Hospital and Cancer Treatment Centre has been reached.”