Plans to move key services from Winchester hospital

Some crucial services at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester may be under threat as part plans to build a new hospital in Hampshire.

Health bosses are currently considering six potential plans for the new hospital, with all of them involving services in Winchester – such as such as accident and emergency and maternity – being moved to the new site, .  

Winchester MP Steve Brine said: “A district general hospital is a delicate eco-system and the services it has are highly dependent on each other. We should be extremely careful before changing that and, if we plan to do so, be crystal clear with residents what change looks like.” 

The local NHS trust has promised to listen to local residents, with public consultation regarding the possible options planned for the start of next year.

A NHS spokesperson said: “We will be seeking the views of a wide range of people, including current patients with experience of using hospital services, clinicians and representatives of people from various groups within the community we serve.”

Plans for the new hospital began in June, with the aim to have the new hospital opened between 2026 and 2030.