A health regulator has launched an investigation into the Princess Royal University Hospital over ‘significant’ problems.

The PRUH, in Farnborough, was acquired by the King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in 2013.

Prior to the acquisition there were a number of 'clinical, operational and financial' problems at the troubled hospital.

Monitor, a health regulator, announced today (March 2) that they were launching an investigation into the long-standing problems yet to be solved.

The ‘deterioration’ in its performance is partly due to urgent investment into improving the quality of care at the PRUH.

The trust predicts a deficit of more than £40 million this financial year.

MORE TOP STORIES Local demand for services has seen patients waiting too long for A&E treatment and routine operations.

An increase in cancelled operations, a lack of beds and longer waiting lists are all part of the operational issues facing the hospital.

Despite Monitor working with King’s for a number of months, getting the struggling hospital back on track has been much harder than initially thought. 

Mark Turner, regional director at Monitor, said: “King’s has been working hard to improve the quality of care provided at the Princess Royal University Hospital, but it is clear that the challenge is much greater than originally anticipated.”

The formal investigation opened by the regulator will allow it to use its legal powers to enforce any changes that need to be made.

Tim Smart, chief executive of King’s, said: “We have made every effort to improve the quality of care at the PRUH and we are proud of what our hardworking staff across all sites have achieved over the last 18 months.

“However, the underlying financial and operational challenges we inherited when we acquired the hospital have proven greater than was anticipated at the time.”

Monitor will announce the outcome of the investigation and what action, if any, is to be taken.

The investigation covers the King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust as a whole.

Have your or your family been affected by problems at the PRUH? Get in touch on Rebecca.Flood@london.newsquest.co.uk