Both our existing hospital sites were built many years ago. Although we have invested in some new buildings in recent years, we now have many out-dated areas that have become more difficult and more costly to look after. They do not provide the modern environment for delivering high quality services that our patients rightly expect and need. We know that building standards have now greatly improved and new hospitals are built to higher specifications that are based around the needs of the patient.
The Improving Healthcare Together proposals will require capital investment in both refurbishing Epsom and St Helier hospitals as well as building a new specialist emergency care hospital on one of the hospital sites (Epsom, St Helier, or Sutton). Our proposed model of hospital care would allow us to improve our existing buildings and create some new buildings. Facilities would be designed to meet the needs of our patients, their families and staff. This would help to make sure that patients are kept as comfortable as possible during their stay in hospital. This includes wards with more space for patients, nurses and visitors and more single rooms with en-suite facilities, improving privacy and dignity for patients.
Once a decision about which option to take forward has been made, more detailed planning would begin.