'Vision' for Epsom Hospital site

9.00.00am GMT Mon 16th Nov 2009

Alice Humphreys campaigning at Epsom Hospital

On 11th November a public meeting was held in Epsom Town Hall for Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust to update the public on their progress in developing a 'vision' for the Epsom Hospital site. The Trust reported that its MRSA rates are at their lowest level since records began, the Trust has recruited 21 more consultants across both Epsom and St Helier since last December and more midwives, and has wiped off its debt achieving a £4.9million surplus. However the CEO Samantha Jones admitted "Our buildings are not fit for purpose". The 'vision' for Epsom is about developing the Epsom site rather than its services.

The vision will be implemented with an investment of up to £70 million. The Trust is considering 6 options of what the vision will be. Most of the options are refurbishment or a mixture of refurbing with some new build.

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Alice Humphreys says "I am pleased that the Trust has recruited and is continuing to recruit more staff, and that it is planning to invest a significant sum in improving the Epsom site; it is long overdue."