The future of our local hospitals

The results of Epsom & St Helier's NHS Trust's recent consultation were published on 10 November. More than 25,000 people joined in discussions on the long term future of the Trust's healthcare services.

Chief Executive Daniel Elkeles had addressed numerous public meetings attended by 5,000 people and answered questions. 6,000 people watched their video and 1,000 filled in their questionnaire

The findings show that consolidating acute care (representing 15% of the current care provided by the Trust) in a new, purpose-built facility on one of the Trust's three hospital sites (at Epsom, at St Helier or co-located with The Royal Marsden at Sutton) is supported by 80% of those who gave their views.

It is notable that:

• The 3 largest attendances were at meetings organised by Islamic groups;
• Most objections came from Labour party members and Labour backed campaigns;
• Without the Labour input, support rises to 90%;
• There are strong advantages in co-locating with the Royal Marsden at Sutton;
• Epsom & Ewell Conservative MP Chris Grayling did not agree with holding this consultation.

The Trust has now published their Strategic Outline Case for Epsom & St Helier 2020 - 2030, which details how creating a brand new acute facility would allow the Trust to further improve patient care and achieve all the additional clinical quality standards they are required to meet, including round-the-clock seven days a week consultant cover for the sickest patients.