TV DOCTOR Hilary Jones has said he hopes the new hospital for Basingstoke, included earlier this month in a government funding announcement, will “compliment” the one he worked in.

Speaking to the Gazette, Dr Hilary recalled fond memories of working at the Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital site in his early career.

“The North Hants hospital has been a shining light in the provision of first-class healthcare for decades. My patients were lucky to have had the hospital on the doorstep and so was I personally,” said the medical expert, best known for appearing on Good Morning Britain.

“The staff saved the lives of my premature twins and my time working there as a junior doctor in the early 1980s was a very happy one. I made many friends both professionally and socially with whom I still remain close.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed funding for 40 hospitals across England, to be built by 2030.

Detailing the entire list of locations, the government said it is earmarking funding for a "new hospital at Basingstoke & North Hampshire Hospital and major refurbishment at Royal Hampshire Hospital in Winchester".

However, when asked about the new hospital at Basingstoke, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust insisted a public consultation would go ahead before any decisions were made.

A spokesperson said at the time: "The published list states that money is available to build a new hospital at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital and carry out a major refurbishment at Royal Hampshire County Hospital.

"It is important to note that this is not binding and that neither the location of any new facility, nor the make-up of services provided there, will be decided ahead of a period of formal public consultation, due to take place early next year."

When asked about the proposed new hospital for the town, Dr Hilary said he hoped it would add to the existing facilities.

“If a new hospital is being considered and I expect the growing town needs it, I hope that it will be granted a prime and attractive location, that it will complement and enhance rather than rival the existing hospital, that the working environment is worthy of the wonderful staff and that the various teams are able to work harmoniously and constructively together,” he said.

“Furthermore, I hope it gets the funding it requires so that it may even better serve the patients who will depend on it.”