Patients speak out against secret proposals to shut Epsom Hospital

Health consultants were overhead discussing the proposal on the train despite recent assurances by the hospital trust’s chief executive that both sites are safe for the next five years.

The creation of a replacement 800-bed centre on the Sutton Hospital site is understood to be the preferred plan, but other options also include rebuilding Epsom Hospital or a new hospital at St Helier.

Patient Jane Stewart, who visited Epsom Hospital today, said she completely opposes the closure of the two hospitals and their replacement by a super hospital in Sutton.

Mrs Stewart said: "That’s awful. I think that it would cause problems for me and the community. I think it’s a bit shocking that it came out on the train."

Jane Stewart at Epsom Hospital 

Today, chief executive Daniel Elkeles explained that the leaked plans were being considered for some time after 2020.

But several weeks ago he told this newspaper that people don’t have to worry "about putting out the placards" in the next few years.

Mrs Stewart said: "That’s a sticking plaster, five years is five years so we’re safe now. But the community needs to know the long-term plans.

"And if it’s building a new hospital what about consultation over the best site?"

Mr Elkeles today said some of its hospital buildings were built in the 1930s and as a result patients are being treated in inadequate conditions.

Mrs Stewart said: "I think they are old, but it’s a nice hospital."

Epsom resident Orlagh Hamilton, who gave birth at St Helier and whose son is currently at Epsom Hospital, said: "If they closed it down, it would be worrying.

"It could make you consider moving to a place that had a local hospital. You never know what's going to happen."

She added: "I think they need to be honest from the outset about what their plans are for the future."

Jeff Tollerman at Epsom Hospital

Another patient Jeff Tollerman said: "These ideas have been around for a long time and there are compelling reasons why that make senses.

"It’s not really an emotional issue, it’s a rational one. It’s not just a question of saving money but how you can provide the best service for a somewhat large community.

"We have been liberally provided with hospitals over the decades, but now if you want the best service you go to the best place with the best equipment."

Last month Epsom’s MP Chris Grayling noted that Mr Elkeles’ assurances did not provide guarantees for the long-term, but said they "should mean that the hospital enjoys a period of stability".

The leaked news broke yesterday just after Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg visited St Helier as part of the general election campaign and congratulated Tom Brake on keeping the hospital open.

Of the leak, Mr Tollerman said: "I imagine politicians will want to keep things as quiet as possible, but I have no sympathy whatsoever for politicians jumping on the emotional bandwagon.

"Politicians are only after votes."

A staff member at the trust, who asked not to be named, said the idea of combining both hospitals on one site has been around for four decades.

The employee said: "People are naturally worried, but at the same time it’s been going on for so long it’s what do you believe next. Next year they could be saying it’s all put off."

Chanelle Fennell with Nicholas Fennell, Mikey Retter and children 

Chanelle Fennell, who gave birth at Epsom Hospital, said: "They were really amazing with a difficult birth every step of the way. Here you get seen really quickly. I like the hospitals as they are."

Patient Bernard Capus said: "I don’t like the idea of this big general hospital because of traffic getting there. I would prefer Epsom Hospital to stay and if it could be expanded, expanded. You can always go up."

Nicholas Redway, who lives on the same road as Epsom Hospital, said he went to a packed meeting which was organised to save acute services at Epsom Hospital in 2013.

But Mr Redway said: "I thought that Epsom Hospital was safe now. I feel that Epsom and St Helier should never have been merged in the first place because there is no direct bus service."

Patient Susan Spencer said she was surprised that the Sutton Hospital site could be earmarked for a super hospital because the site has been sold to the council for a new school.

Ms Spencer: "I’m shocked because in the local paper in Sutton, we were told it’s going to be a school. It would be inconvenient for most people in Epsom.

"It’s concerning for elderly people more than anyone else."

Maria Underwood and Sally Milne

Maria Underwood, who was sitting on a bench outside the hospital today, said: "Why can’t they leave things as they are? They have got to muck about with them.

"They might change their mind if people speak up about it."

Secret plans to close Epsom and St Helier and build new "super hospital" overheard on train

UPDATE: Jeremy Hunt: Tories would block 800-bed "super hospital" to replace Epsom and St Helier

"Disgraceful": Epsom reacts to hospital closure leak

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