MP for Sutton and Cheam, Paul Scully, is urging residents to take part in the consultation exercise which has been launched by Epsom and St Helier Trust.
“Securing the long-term future of healthcare in Sutton has always been my top priority as the MP for Sutton, Cheam and Worcester Park. I am pleased that the Epsom & St Helier NHS Trust are seeking opinions from Sutton residents about the future of healthcare in the borough, making it clear that St Helier hospital will stay open,” he said.
“The staff at St Helier hospital provide great care, but many of the buildings themselves are no longer fit for purpose. Over 40% of the estate is functionally unusable to deliver healthcare.
“Now the Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust has called for views on the future of its buildings at Epsom, Sutton and St Helier Hospitals. The Trust is making the case for £400 million of investment to replace the current buildings with new, modern, purpose-built facilities, but they want to hear from you about how they go about this.
“Both Epsom and St Helier Hospitals will remain open and continue to provide us all with the great care we have come to expect, but there are three possible scenarios for a new acute facility:
1. A new facility at Epsom Hospital,
2. A new facility at St Helier Hospital,
3. A new facility at Sutton Hospital working in partnership with the Royal Marsden.
“For the first time in years we have a proposal from the NHS which doesn’t risk Sutton residents having to travel to St George’s in Tooting for A&E and maternity services, instead protecting them within the area already covered by the Trust.
“This is only the start of a very long process, but regardless of the outcome, the good news is that St Helier is going nowhere as the Health Secretary confirmed when he visited the hospital a before the General Election. In addition, 100% of the services currently provided by the Trust, including A&E and Maternity services, will continue to be provided locally.
“If we are going to be successful we need everyone to get involved. To find out more and to have your say, visit the Trust’s website.”
