SURPLUS hospital properties have been used to help raise millions of pounds, according to latest NHS figures.

Since 2015, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation trust has disposed of three sites, which were no longer needed for healthcare provision.

The trust received £4.5m from the sale of two of the three properties, but did not reveal how much was paid for the remaining site.

It is estimated by the trust that around 127 homes could be provided on the land it has sold.

Nuffield Trust says it is a cause for concern if trust continue to sell sites, only to realise they may be needed after all.

The Government believes the sale of such property is necessary to address the housing crisis.

Properties still in clinical use that are to be put up for sale include mental health clinics, ambulance centres, nursing homes and hospitals.