Plans for a £10m same‑day surgery unit in Hinckley are facing cancellation after NHS officials cited rising costs and lower-than-expected demand for services.
The proposed facility was designed to replace the ageing Hinckley and District Hospital on Mount Road and provide day‑case surgery for around 2,000 patients a year.
The new unit would provide general surgery, orthopaedics, gynaecology, breast care, ophthalmology, and pain management.
Planning permission was granted in July 2025, but NHS leaders now say the project is “no longer viable”.
According to NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board documents, construction and operating costs have risen by approximately £2m, and demand forecasts for local surgical services have fallen.
Documents also highlight that existing facilities elsewhere in Leicester could accommodate patients, making the Hinckley unit less essential.
“It will be with huge concern and anger that the public learn today that the £10m Day Case Unit is potentially in jeopardy,” said Dr Luke Evans, MP for Hinckley and Bosworth, speaking out against the ICB’s statement.
Timeline for possible cancellation
The NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board is expected to review a report recommending cancellation later this month.
The report also outlines potential alternative uses for the site, with around £2.7m already earmarked for interim work.
Officials emphasise that the proposed surgery unit would not be cost‑effective under current conditions and that NHS resources must be used efficiently across the region.
The project had previously faced debate over the demolition of the historic hospital frontage and delays in construction, but local leaders stress the focus must remain on delivering safe, accessible surgical care.
NHS focus on elective surgery expansion
The Hinckley scheme was part of a wider NHS strategy to expand elective surgery capacity and reduce waiting lists by creating dedicated day‑case facilities.
Similar projects have been rolled out across England to deliver high‑volume, planned procedures outside major hospital pressures.
The ICB’s upcoming decision will determine whether the £10m unit goes ahead or if alternative solutions are pursued to meet patient needs in the Hinckley area.