Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the frequently asked questions about Better Healthcare Closer to Home.   


1)Why did you abandon the idea of a brand new 'critical care hospital' to replace St Helier?

For two reasons.  Detailed examination of the needs of local people showed we need a general hospital, not one with additional specialities.  St Helier already fulfils that role.  Secondly, covenants on the open land opposite St Helier mean we would not be able to build there.  The best solution is to develop and improve the existing hospital.  The general hospital at St Helier will continue to provide full A&E facilities, and the redevelopment will involve investing millions of pounds improving the hospital to make it a better place for patients, their visitors and staff.

 

2)You want to provide more care out of hospital.  Is it just about saving money?

No, providing more community services will make it easier for local people to get the best possible healthcare.  It is frustrating to have to take half a day off work to have a simple blood test or x-ray done, and if that can be undertaken at a local centre, maybe at 7pm, rather than having to go all the way to hospital, most people would agree that makes sense.  We are trying to provide 21st century health care where hospital expertise and primary care work together much more closely.

3) What services will be in the Local Care Centres? 

The Local Care Centres will provide a range of services which will help local people who currently have to travel to hospital for treatment.  These services will include:  GP services, out-of-hours services, diagnostics such as x-ray, ultrasound and blood testing facilities, facilities to perform minor operations, other health related services (e.g. dentists, opticians, pharmacy), social services and voluntary services.

 

4) What services will be in the local hospital

The services proposed for the new local hospital include:

  • Accident and Emergency Services with a consultant led service which will work in tandem with a primary care led urgent treatment centre, and a dedicated area and service for children
  • Full range of acute medical services with the exceptions of selected stroke cases, which will be directed towards the more specialised services at St Georges
  • Planned surgery and medicine services
  • Cancer services and end of life care
  • Mental health services

 

5) How will A&E services be affected by the new proposals?

The general hospital will have an A&E service.  It will work in conjunction with an onsite primary care service to ensure patients are directed to the most suitable service

 

6) What is happening to Epsom Hospital?

In 2007, it was agreed that Better Healthcare Closer to Home will focus on planning for people in Sutton and Merton, while Surrey Fit for the Future addresses the needs of Surrey people.  Where there are issues which cover both areas the PCTs and the Epsom and St Helier Trust will work together.  For more information on the latest developments in Surrey, please visit:   www.surreypct.nhs.uk

 

7) What is the latest progress on the project?

We are developing proposals for taking Better Healthcare Closer to Home forward, covering:

  • The development of four Local Care Centres
  • The first phase of the redevelopment of St Helier Hospital as a general hospital
  • The development of intermediate care services
  • A feasibility study for the development of a primary/local care facility on the Sutton Hospital site

The plans will be submitted to NHS London, which performance manages the local NHS, later this year.  More information on the proposals will be posted on this website in due course.