YESTERDAY saw a visit from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care for Royal Berkshire Hospital.
Matt Hancock visited a number of departments across the hospital, meeting staff and hearing about future plans for healthcare in Berkshire.
This was met with the news that the Berkshire-based Trust is one of 21 trusts across the country granted seed funding to support the development of a detailed plan, which can then be used to redevelop the hospital site. This is part of the Government’s new Health Infrastructure Plan.
Mr Hancock said: “It was great to visit Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust and to see how the seed funding we announced as part of our new Health infrastructure Plan will benefit its hardworking staff.
“The Trust are doing amazing work here, but I’ve seen for myself that they’re having to work in poor conditions at times. I fully back their plans to use this money to upgrade their older facilities so patients can get the care they need, in dedicated modern buildings.”
Steve McManus, Chief Executive of the Trust said: “We were delighted to welcome Matt Hancock to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and showcase how we are working to provide the best possible care for the people of Berkshire.
“The Secretary of State had an opportunity to meet with a number of outstanding staff teams as he toured areas of the hospital.
“We are delighted that the Trust has received seed funding as part of the Government’s Health Infrastructure Plan. We are already making changes to create an environment for our patients and staff that is fit for 21st-century healthcare including how we enable more digitally based care.
“This funding provides a fantastic opportunity for us to develop more detailed plans, working with our local communities, our partners and staff.”
