The Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, has given the green light to plans to redevelop old buildings at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.
The 753-bed trust provides a full range of surgical support for major trauma and emergencies. However, the current buildings are among the oldest in the NHS and date back to the 19th Century, which is impacting on the quality of overall patient care.
Under the ambitious redevelopment programme old buildings on the site will be demolished and replaced with new facilities consistent with modern standards.
The hospital’s capacity will expand by 100 beds and the neurosciences and cancer centres will be improved as a result of the refurbishment.
The scheme is expected to significantly improve the experience patients receive, for instance by increasing the square footage for accommodation, and also raise the quality of care due to improved patient flows around the hospital.
Osborne said: “I am delighted we have been able to green light the investment for the much-needed redevelopment of the Royal Sussex County hospital. This is great news for Brighton and the whole local community.
“Bringing the buildings and facilities of this venerated hospital up to modern standards will enhance and improve patient care and experience.”
Redevelopment works at the hospital site are expected to start later this year and be completed by 2024. Plans will be finalised over the coming months, with all funding subject to final approvals.
Welcoming the decision, hospital chief executive, Duncan Selbie, said:“I am constantly inspired by how the sorry state of our hopeless buildings does not diminish the enthusiasm or commitment of the people who work within them, but the condition of these buildings is shocking and they need to be pulled down and replaced.”
