Burstow - Better Healthcare review must end years of uncertainty

12.00.00am GMT Tue 6th Mar 2007

Paul Burstow, commenting in advance of the publication of the findings of the review of the "Better Healthcare Closer to Home" proposals, has spoken of his hope that the report will end 10 years of confusion, during which the NHS in the borough has been "locked in limbo".

Mr Burstow's comments come before the review board - which was commissioned in late 2006, following a decision by Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt to withdraw her initial recommendation that a new Hospital be built at St Helier - publishes the results of a 3 month long consultation.

Mr Burstow said:

"I hope that this review brings to an end 10 years of consultation, confusion and uncertainty."

"The NHS has been locked in limbo, leaving important decisions about investment in GP's surgeries, health clinics and a new Hospital hanging in the air."

"What this review must do now is give a green light to building a new Hospital for the borough that is fit for the 21st Century."