Royal Berkshire Hospital is "losing the battle" against a constant need for repairs, the hospital's chief executive has admitted, as staff and patients report collapsing ceilings, cancelled operations, and a stretched maintenance budget. 

Speaking during The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust's Annual General Meeting, chief executive Steve McManus said the Trust is "not able to keep up" with the deterioration of the site, and its capital budget is “incrementally being overtaken" by urgent repairs. 

"We're losing ground - we're losing the battle," Mr McManus said. 

The Trust currently has around £5 million - out of a £25 million capital spending pot - to deal with maintenance and backlog works, according to the hospital chief.

You can read the full story in this week’s edition of the Reading Chronicle. Also in this week's paper:

  • School in shock at death of pupil - page 9 
  • TGI's saved from closure but has food improved? - page 40
  • Council says sorry over fine blunder - page 7
  • Plea to keep Paddington bear safe as he brings joy to Reading - pictures on pages 3, 15 and 16
  • PLUS: All the latest from Reading Magistrates' Courts
  • Family announcements
  • Camera club
  • Entertainment news and a comprehensive TV guide
  • Local events round up

  • A four-page puzzle special

  • Our newspaper also a free Royals pull-out with 7 pages on all the latest from Reading FC

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