Epsom and St Helier needs intensive care - Burstow

12.00.00am GMT Mon 22nd Oct 2007

Paul Burstow, MP for Sutton and Cheam has requested a meeting with the Chief Executive of Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust after a report by the independent Healthcare Commission revealed that the Trust is failing to meet key financial, cleanliness and waiting time targets.

The Commission's Annual Health Check, which rates NHS service providers across the UK, revealed a host of failings at Epsom and St Helier:

• The Trust failed to meet any of its financial targets for 2006/2007. A report published today by the Audit Commission gave the Trust an overall score of 1 out of 4 for financial management.

• The Trust failed to meet standards for safety and cleanliness and was found to be making insufficient progress towards improving safety for patients and staff.

• The Trust failed to meet waiting time targets for treatment and specialist appointments. Many people had to wait longer than 26 weeks to begin receiving treatment once diagnosed and longer than 13 weeks to be seen by a specialist.

Commenting on the news, Paul Burstow MP said:

"The Healthcare Commission's Health Check has confirmed my worst fears: Epsom and St Helier is in need of intensive care.

"Since the Trust announced staff and bed cuts last year, I have been concerned about the impact this would have on patient care.

"Now we have the proof: fewer beds mean longer waiting times, fewer staff means problems with cleanliness.

"Added to this is the news that the Trust is still in a financial mess.

"I am seeking an urgent meeting with Trust managers to discuss these findings and the steps being taken to address them."

ENDS