The call came after Labour pledged 21 of the promised 46 projects with the remaining 25 still under review.

Shadow health secretary Helen Morgan said: ‘It is now up to the new government to rise to the greatest challenge facing our country, saving our NHS.  That cannot be done without the upcoming Budget being a Budget for the NHS and any changes to the fiscal rules must be used to fix our crumbling hospitals and health services.'

Morgan also said that continuing the projects was ‘imperative' not only to improve patients care but also for boosting growth with infrastructure spending on major construction projects and that by not fixing the NHS you could not fix the economy. 

It comes after the health secretary last week sent letters to MPs which would be impacted by the new hospitals scheme to update them on their progress.

A Government spokesperson said: ‘Any reports of changes to the fiscal rules are pure speculation. We inherited a New Hospital Programme that is undeliverable and unfunded. We will be honest with patients and will put the programme on a sustainable footing.

‘Patient safety is our biggest concern, so rebuilds of hospitals built primarily from RAAC, alongside those where the Full Business Case is already approved, will continue as planned. Our review will provide a thorough, costed and realistic timeline for delivery of the rest of the programme to ensure we can replace the crumbling hospital estate in England.

‘This, alongside the fundamental reforms that will be introduced in our 10-year health plan, will ensure we build an NHS that is fit for the future.'