The three major party candidates for the Epsom and Ewell set out their differing views in interviews with Epsom Hospital Radio.

In three special programmes, which are being broadcast regularly to patients at Epsom Hospital, Conservative Chris Grayling, Liberal Democrat Jonathan Lees and Labour candidate Craig Montgomery talk about their policies and answer questions posed to them by hospital patients.

During the programmes the three politicians also give three highly personal portraits of themselves and their hopes for the future.

Presenter Jeff Matthew said: “We gave each candidate the opportunity to talk freely and what we got were three engaging and very personal conversations. Each of them comes from a very different background and they talked candidly about themselves and their priorities for the UK and for us here in Epsom.

“We hope that these election programmes will contribute to the local debate and will be of special interest to those in hospital during the campaign as well as those who have an interest in Epsom Hospital and its future.”

During the shows the candidates answered questions posted by patients staying at Epsom Hospital on a range of subjects, including crime, foreign affairs, MPs’ expenses and the future of Epsom Hospital. They also talked about their reasons for entering politics and how trust in politicians can be restored.

During the period of the election campaign over 500 patients can be expected to be treated at Epsom Hospital. Although a significant number of patients treated at Epsom Hospital come from further afield, many patients, staff and their families live in the Epsom area.

The special programmes, which were recorded on April 9 at Epsom Hospital Radio’s studios are being broadcast until polling day and are also available to listeners outside Epsom Hospital through the hospital radio’s website www.epsomhospitalradio.co.uk/elections.

The radio service broadcasts 24 hours a day to patients, free of charge.