The £420 million investment at the Royal Sussex County hospital in Brighton has been approved by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, today.

The 753-bed trust provides a full range of surgical support for major trauma and emergencies.

But the current buildings on the Royal Sussex County site are amongst 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 buildings and facilities consistent with modern standards. The hospital’s capacity will expand by 100 beds and the neurosciences and cancer centres will both also be improved as a result of the refurbishment.

The redevelopment 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.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, said, “I am delighted that 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 patients’ care and experience.

“This investment once again demonstrates our commitment to protect and support the NHS. It is only possible because our long term economic plan has restored control of our public finances.”

The works at the Royal Sussex County hospital site will be fully financed from public funds and as part of the Department of Health’s capital investment budget. The difficult decisions taken on day-to-day spending, as part of our long term economic plan, have made it possible to support targeted capital investment like this project.

Redevelopment works at the hospital site are expected to start later this year and complete by 2024. Plans will be finalised over the coming months, with all funding subject to final approvals as usual.