Royal Hampshire County Hospital

The Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester is a District General Hospital serving much of central Hampshire. It is owned and run by the Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust. It is commonly abbreviated to RHCH, or alternatively, Winchester Hospital (as opposed to the nearby St Paul's Hospital [elderly rehabilitation unit] which closed in January 1998).

History
The hospital was formed in 1736 as a voluntary organisation. In 1863, the current hospital buildings were constructed, following consultation with Florence Nightingale on the design.. Later additions to the site include the Outpatients Department in 1927, Nightingale Wing in 1986, Brinton Wing in 1992 and the new treatment and diagnostic centre (Burrell Wing) in 2006. The site also encompasses Marfield Cottage (housing the human resources department), the Education Centre (completed 2006) and a creche. Although adjacent to the RHCH site the Melbury Lodge psychiatric unit is not part of the Winchester and Eastleigh NHS organisation. The Sexual Health clinic, although part of the hospital, is located off site further down Romsey Road opposite the Hampshire Constabulary Headquarters.

As of 2006 Winchester and Eastleigh NHS has been pursuing Trust Foundation status and this has resulted in major streamlining of hospital policies and procedures. Land has also been earmarked for sale to raise revenue for the trust; some plots have already been sold to outside (non NHS) interests. This is being done with a view to most offices and clinics being moved to the new Burrell Wing.