Reading Lib Dems say rebuild the Royal Berkshire Hospital now!

Reading Liberal Democrats are calling on the UK Government to guarantee the rebuild of the Royal Berkshire Hospital after recent news that it was in scope for a review which could lead to delay or cancellation of the scheme.

Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for Reading Central, Henry Wright said:

“After so vocally supporting the new hospital for Reading at the recent General Election, it is shocking to see a Labour Health Secretary put Reading’s new hospital at risk of delay, shrinkage or cancellation.

“Our hard-working NHS staff and local residents deserve better - they need a hospital building which is fit for purpose and fit for the future, rather than quite literally cracking round the edges. Local people cannot afford any more hold-ups to the programme.

“I am calling on our Labour MPs to keep to their election promises and save the Royal Berkshire Hospital rebuild. It must be removed from the scope of this review and allowed to continue without delay.”

When the Royal Berkshire Hospital submitted its Outline Business Case in December 2020 they identified five clear reasons for rebuilding our hospital. Several of these are well known by hospital visitors - a building in poor condition, operating at capacity and hindering the delivery of modern healthcare. It was also identified that the rebuild would boost local economic growth and be much more environmentally sustainable.

At the recent General Election, the rebuild of our hospital enjoyed the support of candidates from all political parties, including our Liberal Democrat candidates and the eventual Labour MPs for Reading Central, Earley and Woodley and Reading West and Mid Berkshire.

However, the Labour Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Rt. Hon. Wes Streeting MP, has recently announced a review of new hospital construction, including the Royal Berkshire Hospital. This will result in recommendations which could result in change in scope, size, timing and does not even rule out cancellation.

The Reading Liberal Democrats urge Reading’s three Labour MPs to honour the promises they made to voters in the General Election, and fight to ensure the Royal Berkshire Hospital is rebuilt as soon as possible.