News

We were extremely disappointed to read your representation of  the grant secured by the Maternity team at Epsom and St Helier hospitals (published online 29 January, titled ‘Epsom and St Helier midwives secure maternity funding, but campaigners fear for hospitals' future’), in which you took a very positive piece of news (given to you by our press team) and used it as an opportunity  to needlessly and irresponsibly call into doubt the future of our hospitals whilst undermining the achievements of our staff.

Maternity services at Epsom and St Helier hospitals will be investing over £46,000 in additional services and support for pregnant women with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 and above, who may be at higher risk of experiencing complications.

New figures show that Epsom and St Helier hospitals saw a record number of patients last year, with more than 896,230 patients coming to the trust for treatment in 2015 – that’s an increase of more than 11,000 people compared to 2014.

As a hospital trust that sees more than 885,000 patients every year and one of the largest local employers, it is important that Epsom and St Helier hospitals invest in taking care of the people who take care of the public.

The South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (SWLEOC), based at Epsom Hospital, has taken delivery of eight new models that will be used for research into osteoporosis (a condition which makes bones brittle and fragile) and to help explain different conditions and surgical procedures to patients.

The most senior doctors at Epsom and St Helier hospitals are calling on local people to stay warm and well this weekend, as the weather forecast predicts widespread frost and a low of minus three degrees Celsius.

Following the junior doctors’ ballot on industrial action, we wanted to assure local people that we are working hard to make sure any disruption to services is kept to a minimum, wherever possible.

This New Year was a double celebration for a number of local families, as Epsom and St Helier hospitals welcomed nine new babies to the world.