HEALTH services in the Solent area are set to receive a £84m boost as part of a £1 billion plan to transform the NHS.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has released funds for more than 70 new schemes across the country, including a project put forward by the Solent NHS Trust.

Chief executive Sue Harriman said the cash would go towards a 50-bed rehabilitation wing for older inpatients at the Western Community Hospital, Southampton.

She added: “The £15.8m investment will enable us to extend and redevelop the hospital site, allowing us to care for even more people in purpose-built, state-of-the-art facilities in the heart of their community.

“It will also allow for new developments to happen on the Royal South Hants site.

“The investment in our buildings will enhance the patient experience, leading to better patient outcomes, and provide an improved environment for our dedicated staff, so that they can continue to provide great care.

 

“This is a really exciting time for community health services in Southampton and will help keep people safe and well, close to home.”

John Richards, chief executive of Southampton City Clinical Commissioning Group, described the award of almost £16m as excellent news for the city.

He added: “As our population ages we need to make sure we have the best services for the future.

“This funding allows the NHS to make better use of the Western Community Hospital site, which we hope will become the main site in the city for older people’s health services.

“By having both older people’s physical and mental health services located on the same site, these services can become more resilient in the future.

“In turn, this also helps to unlock the Royal South Hants site for exciting new developments in health and social care.”

Other successful bidders include Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (£10m), Portsmouth City Clinical Commissioning Group (£2.6m) and Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust (£58m).

 

The Trust will use the cash to build a new A&E department at the Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham.

A government spokesman said: “The Health Secretary is pledging £963 million in new capital funding to 75 new schemes to give more patients world-class care in world-class facilities as part of a major investment in the long-term future of the NHS.

“Leaving the EU means we will take back control of our money.

“We have more to spend on the issues people care about, like making sure our health service continues to provide excellent care for patients.”