SENIOR staff have raised fears that local NHS chiefs have plans to close major departments at Winchester hospital, which could lead to the site being downgraded.
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the Romsey Road site, has begun work with partner health bodies to create a new hospital speculated to cost around £700million to build.
But staff at Winchester hospital have aired concerns that this could result in the facility losing some vital services.
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One member of staff, who asked not to be named, said: “They have said that almost all of Basingstoke hospital is falling apart and needs to be taken down, but Winchester hospital is not that bad.”
The member of staff speculated that: “Basingstoke hospital is going to be pulled down and the big new hospital will be built there, and Winchester would be downgraded.
They continued: “I would like them to be a bit more honest rather than someone in secret making a plan and then presenting it.”
Another staff member said: “Management seem to be heading down the same road as before, making a show of engaging with staff and public but pushing the supposed consultation out during Covid-19 with overworked staff too exhausted to get involved.
“Local MPs are being told staff are all onboard where the truth is that most people are unaware of the advanced stage planning has reached."
The trust says the current system provides a number of challenges, with solutions to be found as part of the Hampshire Together programme.
A trust spokesperson added: “We understand people hold strong views when it comes to the provision of services such as emergency and maternity care – and this has been borne out in the engagement work we have carried out so far.
"The feedback we receive will have a real impact on our decision-making process as we work towards providing not just an amazing new hospital, but a state-of-the-art health system to match.”
A public engagement will be held at 8pm on Thursday, register at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/109840624264.
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