When will St Helier get funding? - Burstow

12.00.00am GMT Wed 5th Nov 2008

Speaking in Parliament yesterday (Tuesday 4th November 2008), local MP, Paul Burstow, asked Health Secretary when the funding for the new patient block at St Helier hospital would be agreed.

Mr Burstow told the Health Secretary that the local NHS had taken over a decade going in 'ever decreasing circles' drawing up and consulting on plans that were then abandoned.

Mr Burstow told MP that at last the NHS had come up with concrete plans for a new patient block at St Helier Hospital. But in order for work to start, the necessary funds (£140 million) need to be agreed by the Department of Health and Treasury.

The Secretary of State for Health, Alan Johnson, agreed to meet with Paul Burstow MP and other interested members of Parliament in order to discuss how things might move forward.

Commenting after the exchange, Mr Burstow said:

"Investment at St Helier is long overdue. Now there is a clear plan I want the Government to give the green light as soon as possible.

"It is good news that Alan Johnson agreed to meet me.. It is vital that he and the Chancellor Alistair Darling agree to release the funds needed so that work can start as soon as possible.

"St Helier was designed in the 1920s built in the 1930s it is past its best. My constituents deserve a hospital fit for the 21st century."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The full text of Mr Burstow's question is as follows:

Mr. Burstow: I am grateful to the Secretary of State for that answer. After a decade or more of the NHS in my constituency, covering Sutton, Cheam and Worcester Park, going in ever-decreasing circles-consulting, drawing up plans, devising strategies and holding stakeholder events-at last it has come forward with an outline business case for much-needed investment in patient facilities at St. Helier hospital. Will the Secretary of State tell my constituents just how much longer they will have to wait for the Department and the Treasury to give the go-ahead, and will he meet me and other Members of Parliament with an interest in the matter to discuss it further?

Alan Johnson: I am glad that, despite the long period of consultation, plans are now coming forward. I cannot give the hon. Gentleman any idea of how long the process will take, because I am not aware of the situation, but I will be after we have met, and I very much welcome a meeting with him and his colleagues.