Epsom and St Helier Trust set for upgrade

The Government has announced allocations of £600 million to tackle critical maintenance work in hospitals across England, including 10 projects in the Epsom and St Helier University Hospital Trust.

The Trust will receive £11,557,000 to carry out the work, which will upgrade the hospital buildings to deliver key services, upgrades to electrical infrastructure, improvements to ventilation systems, works to improve fire safety and the replacement of hospital lifts.

The money is part of a £1.5 billion fund announced by the Prime Minister in the summer to level up hospital infrastructure across the NHS.

While £600 million will be spent on these critical maintenance upgrades, the remainder will be spent on modernising mental health facilities, expanding A&E capacity and improving infection control ahead of winter.

Matt Hancock

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Alongside delivering on our manifesto commitment to build 40 new hospitals and 20 major hospital upgrades across the country, this investment will help our NHS build back better.

“These crucial maintenance projects will deliver immediate benefits and provide NHS staff with the facilities they need to provide world-class care to their patients this winter, helping ensure the NHS is always there for you when you need it.”

On hearing the announcement, Merton Council Conservative Group Leader Cllr Nick McLean said: “I am delighted that Epsom and St Helier University Hospital Trust will benefit from Government funding to carry out even more vital maintenance work over the coming months.

"There can be no doubt no that this Government is committed to ensuring St Helier Hospital not only survives but thrives.

“These crucial projects will deliver immediate benefits and provide NHS staff with the facilities they need to provide world-class care to patients, helping our NHS to build back better after the pandemic.”