Action on Surbiton Hospital

06.04.06

A new discussion document on the future of Surbiton Hospital published this week has been warmly welcomed by local Liberal Democrat MP, Edward Davey, as the next step in the campaign towards securing the future of the Hospital. He however sounded a warning note that the plans to stabilise the PCT’s revenue budget should not include any sale of capital assets that might jeopardise the hospital’s future.

Kingston and Surbiton’s MP has been campaigning to save Surbiton Hospital, and this new discussion document is linked to the development of a “Strategic Outline Case” for the hospital. This is the first stage in winning the green light for major investment and a complete rebuild of Surbiton, and was secured by the MP after a meeting he held last year with the Strategic Health Authority.

The discussion document advocates a “Health Village” concept and asks local people for their views on what services should be run from a rebuilt community hospital in Surbiton.  From modern GP practices to a minor injuries unit, from a community pharmacy to a docking area for mobile scanning facilities, the proposal suggests a major expansion of NHS care at the site.

Commenting, Edward Davey said:

“With all the regrettable cuts to the local PCT, this is at last a piece of good news for local health services.

“Yet we must make it clear to Ministers and London’s health bureaucrats that any decisions they take now on the budget must not jeopardise the future of Surbiton Hospital. Above all, the PCT must not sell any land or property to plug their short term revenue shortfall.

“This new discussion document is a small next step towards a decision to rebuild the hospital, but I hope many local people will now get involved, and join in the debate.

“By coming to one of the 20 meetings already scheduled to discuss the future of the Hospital, people can influence our community’s future healthcare and help save Surbiton Hospital.

“We have a huge task ahead of us, to build an exciting future vision for Surbiton, and then to build the financial case. With hardwork and co-operation across the community I believe we can do it.”