26 March 2010
Samantha Jones, Chief Executive of Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust has spoken today about the overwhelming level of support the Trust has received from patients, local people, staff, volunteers and politicians since the announcement on Monday (22 March) that St Helier Hospital is to be redeveloped at a cost of £219 million.
Samantha said: "Since Monday’s announcement, we have been inundated with emails, letters, texts and calls about the announcement. People are so pleased and there is an amazing ‘feel good’ factor around the Trust.
"Walking around the wards and clinics, there is a sense of a new beginning for the hospital and I can sense a massive boost in the morale of our patients, staff and volunteers.
"I know this has been a long time coming and that we have had disappointments in the past, however, we have never been at this stage before. I’m sure it won’t feel real for some people until the JCBs and builders are on site, but that isn’t far away.
"Being with the Minister on Monday as he announced the funding has to be one of the biggest highlights of my working life to date and, considering the response we’ve had our supporters, I’m not the only person who is over the moon."
"I would like to thank all of those people who have been involved in the project to date and to all the local people, patients, staff, volunteers, MPs, prospective parliamentary candidates and others who have sent messages of support. It is really appreciated."
Below are just some of the messages received:
"This is the best local news we have had for decades. This investment will secure the future of St Helier and health services in the borough for years to come. It is great news for patients, staff and local businesses. I congratulate everyone involved in making this project happen."
Tom Brake, MP for Carshalton and Wallington (Liberal Democrat)
"This is great news for our area. It will be a real boost for the local economy. St Helier hospital is in desperate need of investment. The news that we have secured the Treasury's green light for a new patient wing is great news."
Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton and Cheam (Liberal Democrat)
"St Helier provides essential local services to my constituents in Wimbledon. It is vital this investment programme goes ahead and I look forward to working with the Trust to ensure it fulfils its potential."
Stephen Hammond, MP for Wimbledon (Conservative)
"Having lived locally in the area for all of my life, including working as a doctor on the wards at St Helier, I've always been passionate about supporting St Helier. It is satisfying to finally see the start of a brand new, state-of-the-art building which will finally match the kind-hearted character of the staff working in St Helier. This is great news for everybody, from doctors to patients alike".
Dr Toosy - local GP
"The announced go ahead is a great boost for all local people who pressed for these vital improvements and a just reward for all those in the local NHS who put so much into making this happen. To all of these people I say thank you and well done. I will of course continue to play my part in offering any support that may be needed in the future. Our NHS is a great national asset and one that deserves to be championed by any of us that can make a difference".
Dr Ken Andrew, Conservative Party prospective parliamentary candidate for Carshalton and Wallington
"As I was born in St Helier it has special significance for me, so I am pleased that the much needed investment to rebuild and upgrade this facility is to go ahead. I hope that this redevelopment will mark the start of a new phase in healthcare provision in this area, and that we will see the harnessing of new diagnostic and treatment regimes that will truly bring better healthcare closer to home."
Diana Coman, Liberal Democrat Party prospective parliamentary candidate for Mitcham & Morden
"The announcement that £219 million is going to be invested in St Helier represents years of hard work by the staff of St Helier and politicians of all parties. It is an enormous breakthrough and secures the long term future of St Helier and will bring the hospital up to a world class standard providing the care and facilities that both staff and patients require. It is really important that we harness this momentum and ensure that investment promises are translated into actual building projects. Congratulations to all!"
Philippa Stroud, Conservative Party prospective parliamentary candidate for Sutton and Cheam
"This long-awaited announcement will finally give Sutton residents the modern, high standard health facilities they need. We are absolutely delighted that the government has agreed the funding and we will be pressing our partners in the health service to start construction as quickly as possible."
Cllr Sean Brennan, Leader of Sutton Council
"Fabulous news! It's the news that Sutton and Cheam residents have been waiting to hear. Great news for them, the staff, but most of all, future patients of St Helier."
Val Brundle, Chair, St Helier and Sutton hospitals League of Friends
