Crispin Blunt has today welcomed the results of Epsom and St Helier Hospital Trust’s recent consultation, published on 10th November, which sought public views on proposals to create a new purpose-built acute-care facility at one of the Trust’s hospital sites.

Over 25,000 people responded to the consultation and the proposals were supported by 79.8% of these. The Trust has also published a Strategic Outline Case (SOC) which details how the proposed new facility would improve patient care and achieve all the additional clinical quality standards it is required to meet, including round-the-clock seven days a week consultant cover for its sickest patients.

Commenting on the results of the consultation, Crispin Blunt said: “This is a positive step in the right direction. I remain convinced of the need for a new acute care facility, to prevent the hospital service provided to my constituents north of Reigate and Redhill facing inevitable long-term decline. The current facilities are out of date and the recruitment of doctors and nurses is increasingly challenging. The public has clearly shown its support for the proposal which must add weight to the argument for a new, improved, life-saving, acute care facility in order to prevent this unique opportunity from being lost. I am optimistic that, after analysing the SOC, NHS Improvement, the regulator, will now authorise the process to move to the next stage, enabling the Trust to develop a full business case.”