Local MP Maria Miller joined Basingstoke residents the first Basingstoke New Hospital consultation event held at The Ark.
Maria said "There was real support for a new Hospital throughout the event. We heard the arguments in support of the Trust's preferred option, a new acute specialist hospital at Junction 7, clinically led, with a planned surgery unit in Winchester, putting the safety and health of residents first. Bringing together Winchester and Basingstoke's specialist cancer, heart, stroke, maternity and accident and emergency departments onto one new site at Junction 7, 3 miles from the current Basingstoke site, would mean better, safer services for patients.
"Diagnostics and out patients would continue at both sites, with all complex surgery in the Basingstoke site and noncomplex surgery in Winchester. "Virtual Wards" will mean more patients recuperating at home, with "Step down care" for elderly patients being made available in more places, across the area including Alton, Andover, Winchester. There is an option from the Trust to retain "step down" care in Basingstoke too. "
"Everyone can have their say in the consultation which runs until March 17th. There is are a series of other public events taking place in coming weeks which can be found on the Hampshire Together website. Basingstoke residents need to make sure the needs of our community are properly taken into account by taking part"
