The Government published its review of the NHP programme on 20 January revealing nine projects will not begin until 2032-34 with a further nine commencing from 2035-39.

Trusts in the last wave of the NHP (2035-39) have voiced their frustration and disappointment.

Professor Tim Orchard, chief executive of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, said: ‘This is devastating news for our communities, our staff and patients, and for the whole of the capital's healthcare system.

‘We understand that the Government's New Hospital Programme must be affordable but the simple truth is that St Mary's Hospital, in particular, will not last until the 2040s.'

Aaron Cummins, chief executive of University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, said the delay for Royal Lancaster Infirmary was ‘disappointing', adding: ‘Whilst this may not be the news local communities wanted, we hope that the outcome brings some certainty that patients and NHS colleagues will get the new hospital that they deserve.'

A spokesperson for Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, said the delay for Royal Berkshire Hospital was extremely disappointing.

‘We will be seeking urgent meetings with NHS England and the New Hospital Programme team to explore the implications of this announcement,' the trust said.

Commenting on news that Eastbourne District General Hospital will not begin construction until 2037, a spokesperson for East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust said: ‘Given the significant delay to the programme, the trust will now need to identify essential works and the associated funding to protect our estate and infrastructure while we wait for our new hospital to be built.'

Sam Higginson, chief executive at Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said it was deeply disappointing ‘for the communities of North Devon, our patients and staff that the critical nature of North Devon District Hospital and the need for urgent investment has not been fully recognised in the review into the New Hospital Programme'.