NEW shops and cafes could be opened within Basildon Hospital as part of a £2.7million revamp of its entrance.

The hospital plans to remodel its main entrance over the next two years, creating a “retail environment”, including a pharmacy.

The hospital’s car park and access road are also in line for a £1.3million overhaul, as the trust which runs it seeks to ease congestion around the busy site.

A trust spokesman said the investment would be an important boost for staff, patients and visitors.

She added: “These proposed outline schemes are part of the trust’s long-term investment strategy to improve the experience for everyone.

“Our regulators have recognised we are providing highquality services and, as an organisation, we need to ensure the hospital environment matches that standard of care.

“As part of this work, we have proposals in our 2015/16 capital investment plan to explore how we might improve facilities, including a pharmacy, and redevelop the main entrance.

“There are also proposals to improve traffic flow in and out of the car park and around the main hospital entrance, including ambulance access.”

Rent from shops at the entrance, especially if they are let to national chains, could earn money for the trust, though some campaigners say the focus should remain on treating patients, not making money.

The hospital already has a Royal Voluntary Service shop and a own restaurant in its entrance.

When similar changes were made at Southend Hospital, bringing in Costa Coffee and WH Smith, four years ago, it forced the Royal Voluntary Service cafe to close.

Campaigners say Basildon Hospital should focus on treating patients not selling “frothy coffee”.

Basildon Against the Cuts members think the NHS should not be getting involved in commercial ventures – and fear private firms will exploit vulnerable patients with nowhere else to buy food and drink.

Dave Murray, the group’s organiser, said: “They are obviously going to spend money on the retail facility and it seems to me there is a danger the health service and hospital trust will just become a business, concentrating on maximising income.

“People need somewhere to rest and get something to eat, but this isn’t that.

“It’s an airport terminalstyle scheme, sucking everything they can from patients and visitors, who have no choice but togothere. They are a captive audience.

“I would be surprised if it’s designed to be an affordable and beneficial facility for people forced to visit the hospital as patients or visitors.”