THE trust which runs Basingstoke hospital has refused to make public the options it is considering for spending government funding.

As previously reported in the Gazette, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) has been chosen by the government to receive funding as part of its Health Infrastructure Plan for hospital building projects.

HHFT will receive the funding for both Basingstoke and Winchester hospitals.

It has launched a survey to consult with the public, and Alex Whitfield, chief executive of the trust, said: “There are a number of possibilities under consideration.”

However, she has refused to provide any further details as to what exactly these are, leaving the public in the dark as to whether Basingstoke might benefit from a new hospital.

A spokesperson said: “We will not be commenting any further at this time.”

The survey, which is open until March 18, simply asks the public to chose their top five priorities for improvements to modernising the trust’s hospitals, with options including mental health provision, adequate parking, recreational facilities for staff, environmentally friendly building and modern design features.

The trust has already received £5m seed funding to allow it to “proceed to the next stage of developing their hospital plans”.

However, it is yet to answer the Gazette’s question as to whether the money could be spent on a new hospital for Winchester instead of Basingstoke.

Further funds are not due to be given until between 2025 and 2030.

n To take part in the survey, which is open until 9am on March 18, visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ModernisingOurHospitals.