Paul Burstow backs St Helier as right site for new hospital as Sutton site emerges as front runner

12.00.00am GMT Mon 10th Jan 2005

Time is running out to safeguard the future of St Helier Hospital and secure a new critical care hospital. Sutton Hospital has emerged as the front runner be the site of the new critical care hospital to replace St Helier and Epsom, according to Sutton and Cheam MP, Paul Burstow, who attended an NHS briefing on Monday (10th January).

While NHS bosses maintain no decision has yet been made, MPs from Sutton and Epsom have been told at two separate meetings that a new planning report put Sutton Hospital as the best site for the new hospital.

Discussion with the Royal Marsden Hospital to use land next to Sutton Hospital have helped the boost the sites hurdle chances of becoming NHS bosses preferred location for a super hospital.

However, if Sutton is chosen it leaves St Helier's future unclear. The old hospital would be downgraded and refurbished as a local care hospital. Epsom Hospital would also be downgraded.

Paul Burstow MP made his own detailed submission to the NHS consultation on the future of healthcare in the area. He backs St Helier as the right site for a new hospital. The majority of local residents who responded to the consultation agree with him.

The next step will be meetings of Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust, Sutton and Merton Primary Care Trust and East Elmbridge and Mid Surrey Primary Care Trust on January 25. Each Board will be asked to agree a preferred site for the new hospital.

Mr Burstow has said that St Helier is still his first choice and the first choice for many people in the borough.

"I think NHS bosses have overestimated the difficulties of building at St Helier and underestimated the political support for St Helier to be chosen.

"St Helier is an attractive site and easily accessible. I think they have underestimated the level of objections to Sutton as the proposed site.

"A strong case has been made for St Helier in terms of location, employment and the health profile of people in the area and accessibility by private and public transport."

ENDS

Paul Burstow's response to the consultation can be found on this website.

The local Primary Care Trust (PCT) will meet on Tuesday 25th January to discuss the plans.

The first phase of consultation ended last November, the PCT will decide which site the new hospital should be built on. This will then be subject to further consultation.

If you are concerned you can express your views before the 25th January by writing to:

Sutton and Merton PCT,

Nelson Hospital,

Kingston Road,

Raynes Park, SW20 8DB

More information about the proposals can be found by visiting the website: www.betterhealthcare.org.uk