Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust has responded to concerns raised by local Liberal Democrats over the possible relocation of women’s health services from St Helier, confirming that options to keep as many services as possible at the hospital are being explored.
The Trust has now provided its response and confirmed it will now be conducting further investigations into options for the service, following a campaign from Liberal Democrat MPs and council leaders across Sutton and neighbouring areas
Plans to temporarily move services were announced shortly before summer after specialist advice found that ageing pipework in the Women’s Health block needs to be replaced. The Trust says the building is currently safe to use, with filters and regular water testing in place, but that these measures cannot provide a permanent solution, and that the essential works cannot safely be completed while clinical services continue to operate in the building.
Sutton Liberal Democrats had raised concerns after the plans first emerged, with Sutton & Cheam MP Luke Taylor joining Carshalton & Wallington MP Bobby Dean and Liberal Democrat colleagues representing neighbouring communities to press for every possible alternative to be considered before services are moved away.
The Liberal Democrats stressed that patient and staff safety must remain the overriding priority, and asked for assurances that the impact on women and families across Sutton would be fully considered.
Responding to the Trust’s update, Luke Taylor MP said:
“I’m pleased that the Trust has responded to the concerns we raised and provided the reviews behind these plans.
“The most important reassurance is that every possible option is being considered, with keeping services at St Helier the first priority.
“Patient and staff safety has to be absolute. The condition of this building shows once again why St Helier simply cannot wait another decade for the investment it needs.
“Across Sutton, Liberal Democrats will keep working together to make sure local women and families have a strong voice as these plans develop, and that vital services are kept as close to our communities as possible.”
Sutton Liberal Democrats have campaigned for years for investment in St Helier, including the recently confirmed £57 million improvement programme for its Emergency Department. They say the latest problems underline the need to tackle the condition of the wider hospital estate and bring forward the new specialist hospital building promised for Sutton by the Conservatives.
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