On Saturday 28th November I held a public meeting with Daniel Elkeles, the Chief Executive of St Helier Hospital so residents could hear about his plans for investing in the hospital’s future and ask questions.
Mr Elkeles explained that St Helier Hospital had recently recruited many new doctors and nurses on a permanent basis, which has significantly increased care and cut agency bills.
Mr Elkeles also explained that the current hospital estate was very outdated, restricting the quality of care they can deliver, reducing the patient experience, and contributing to infection rates that are not as good as they should be. Because of this, St Helier has to spend more money and hire more people to maintain their premises and keep them safe.
Therefore, Mr Elkeles would like to see a new hospital built at St Helier. When asked if this would mean fewer services at St Helier, Mr Elkeles was very clear in saying the same services would be provided for at a new St Helier Hospital. Furthermore, given the size of the estate, the new hospital could be built while the old one remains in use.
It was great for residents to hear directly from the Chief Executive of St Helier Hospital about his plans for its future. What was clear to me is that his priority is to ensure that top quality hospital services continue to be offered at St Helier for years to come.
As part of this plan for the future, St Helier Hospital is conducting an estates review. You can find out more, and take part in the consultation which closes on 31st December, here https://www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/estates-review