Up to 800 jobs are expected to be cut across two NHS trusts in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as part of a major financial plan to save millions over the next year.
Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust is preparing to cut 549 jobs, while the Isle of Wight NHS Trust faces the loss of 249 roles. The two organisations confirmed that the job cuts will be challenging but are considered necessary to ensure they can continue adapting to the changing needs of patients.
Further job losses are anticipated across neighbouring trusts, as chief executives are in discussions about sharing resources and corporate services.
The positions affected are believed to be non-clinical roles, including HR, finance, and communications staff. Clinical positions, such as doctors and nurses, are not expected to be impacted.
All NHS trusts in the region are operating under financial strain, prompting an urgent need to deliver substantial savings. The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that these changes are part of a broader plan to protect frontline services and improve patient care.
The major NHS unions Unison and Unite are due to meet next week to discuss the proposed job losses.
Further reductions of up to 50 percent are also expected at the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB) and other ICBs across the region. This news follows the recent decision to abolish NHS England, the organisation responsible for commissioning and overseeing health services throughout the UK.
Despite achieving financial and performance improvements during 2024 and 2025, Portsmouth and Isle of Wight NHS trusts confirmed that the challenges remain significant.
Plans include stricter controls over temporary staffing and recruitment, alongside efforts to transform how services are delivered both within individual trusts and across the wider Hampshire and Isle of Wight system.
The trusts stated that these steps are aimed at helping them serve patients in a more resilient and flexible way, despite the difficult circumstances.
The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for comment.
