THE COUNCIL leader is confident that a new hospital will come to Basingstoke and Deane.

Cllr Ken Rhatigan said that he is in discussions with Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT) “every day that goes by”.

And he also revealed that the council could develop a "medical city" to be built alongside the new site to bolster jobs and and health opportunities that would come with it.

As previously reported, the Trust are currently searching for sites that a new hospital can be built on after receiving government funding.

One of the rumoured sites is near Junction 7 of the M3, which has been floated previously after the ambulance service announced it as their preferred location.

In the clearest sign yet of the council's confidence on securing the facility, which is due to be built in 2024, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council leader, Cllr Rhatigan, promised councillors at a meeting of the Economic, Planning and Housing committee that he would announce the news as soon as he was allowed.

"Trust me that we are every day that goes by in discussions to make sure that the location of the hospital is within the borough," he said.

"We are doing everything we can to encourage the CCG and hospital trust to position us as their main choice, whether it is in the current site or another site within the borough."

Basingstoke Gazette:

Cllr Ken Rhatigan says he is in discussions "every day that goes by" to get a new hospital in Basingstoke and Deane

Nine sites are currently being considered by the trust, who are believed to be announcing their choice later this year.

Following that, in 2021, a public consultation will be held on the choice.

The "medical city", or a science park, could be built along with the hospital as part of the council's post-Covid economic recovery, in order to create new jobs and health benefits to the borough.

"We are aware that it is not just the benefits of the jobs, but the expanding health world as a result of the Covid crisis," Cllr Rhatigan continued.

"I encourage all of you, both councillors and anyone looking in, to voice your support for a hospital, a new facility within this borough, and one that is expanded to look after healthcare needs over the next 50 years.

"I look forward to a bright health future for us but I assure you and this committee, that officers are looking to facilitate that new facility within our borough.

"I promise you that as soon as I can, and I’m sure as soon as they can, the announcement will be made, but trust us on that one.”