Update on hospital chief raising concerns about St Helier's deteriorating buildings with national NHS leaders
The Chief Executive of Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust has raised urgent concerns about the deteriorating condition of St Helier Hospital during a meeting with representatives of the Government's New Hospital Programme.
The meeting took place on 5 November as the Trust faces increasingly serious challenges maintaining its 90-year-old estate, with infrastructure problems disrupting patient care and placing growing pressure on staff.
Recent problems include the closure of 13 beds in a unit caring for frail and elderly patients, following significant cracks appearing in the walls; repeated lift failures affecting children's services; and essential repairs requiring contingency planning for maternity and neonatal services.
The Trust has spent £60 million in recent years maintaining its ageing buildings, but significant challenges remain.
Group Chief Executive Officer of St George's, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group (gesh), Mat Shaw, said: "It was encouraging to meet with the New Hospital Programme team for an open and constructive discussion on the estate challenges our colleagues at St Helier face every day.
“We received their support for pushing forward plans for our new hospital and consolidated renal services, while continuing discussions on much-needed investment in St Helier."
