ROYAL Berkshire Hospital should be rebuilt on a new site because the current site is too cramped. 

That’s the opinion of one councillor who is asking his colleagues to join him in leading the charge for the relocation of the county’s largest hospital. 

Later this morning, West Berkshire councillor Alan Macro (Theale, Liberal Democrats) will propose the major redevelopment proposal to the council’s health committee. 

READ MORE: History of Royal Berkshire hospital 

In the motion, he is asking the council to note: 

  • The existing RBH site is very cramped and is poorly insulated
  • Redevelopment of the existing site is difficult because of its cramped layout
  • It is very difficult for residents of West Berkshire to reach the hospital using public transport
  • Car parking around the hospital is restricted and expensive
  • It can be time-consuming to travel to the hospital -- even by ambulance -- at peak times. 

No suggestion is made for where the hospital should be relocated to. 

However, proposals may be made at the meeting of the West Berkshire health committee, which meets to vote on Cllr Macro’s suggestions at 11am today (May 23). 

But there is no guarantee the motion will even be accepted, as a West Berkshire Council officer has recommended the proposals are rejected. 

The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is currently engaging in an exercise called ‘Building Berkshire Together’, whereby a strategy for the long term future of Royal Berkshire Hospital is being devised.

READ MORE: Royal Berkshire Hospital could be moved to Shinfield

Three preferred options have been identified: a full or partial redevelopment on its current site, or relocation to South Reading or Thames Valley Science Park in Shinfield.

On site redevelopment was estimated to cost £700-£950 million, whereas relocation would cost £1.2 billion.