New Hospital Programme

Following the Government’s announcement today, we understand that the Royal Berkshire Hospital’s new hospital programme will be delayed by at least another 6 years with little prospect of a new hospital before 2040. 

A spokesperson said: “We are extremely disappointed with the announcement that our programme, not for the first time, has been delayed. While we are pleased that the government has recognised our need for a whole new hospital, today’s announcement sees us delayed by at least another 6 years and there will be little prospect of a new hospital before 2040.  Our staff, patients and the citizens of Berkshire West and South Oxfordshire deserve better. 

“We will be seeking urgent meetings with NHS England and the New Hospital Programme team to explore the implications of this announcement.

“In the meantime, we will continue to invest in our estate, our equipment and digital to support the best possible care for our patients.”

The condition of our current hospital presents challenges for our patients and staff and despite the delay we will continue to invest in our locations to ensure we can continue to deliver the best possible care for our patients. We look forward to the opening of the new elective hub in South Block in the summer and the new on-site Urgent Care Centre, which will ease pressure on the Emergency Department.