Fight to Save St Helier Hospital’s A&E and Maternity Services Heats Up
An independent panel is now weighing up whether to launch a full review into the controversial decision to slash key services at St Helier Hospital. The shake-up would see the A&E and consultant-led maternity ward shut down, sparking outrage among local leaders and residents.
Merton Council Demands Independent Review
Back in July, Merton Council urged Health Secretary Matt Hancock to intervene and call in the downgrade decision for fresh scrutiny. Their challenge came after NHS South West London and Surrey Heartlands Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) approved a £500million plan to overhaul hospital services across the region.
Under these plans, a brand-new specialist emergency care hospital is set for Belmont in southern Sutton – not St Helier. This means St Helier would lose vital acute services, sparking fears about healthcare access in deprived parts of Merton.
Panel to Decide Next Steps
Matt Hancock has instructed the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP) to conduct an initial review. If the IRP backs a full investigation, Merton Council will get the chance to present its case against the downgrade.
Merton Warns of Social Inequality and Covid Impact
The council warns that moving services to the more affluent Belmont area will hurt disadvantaged communities who rely heavily on St Helier. They also slam the plans for ignoring the ongoing impact of Covid-19, arguing it’s too soon to predict its effects on future healthcare needs.
Council Leader Slams Downgrade Plan
“Moving acute services, including A&E and consultant-led maternity care, out of St Helier Hospital is a terrible decision that would disadvantage residents in the most deprived areas of Merton,” said Cllr Stephen Alambritis, Merton Council leader.
“While we welcome the investment, it must go where it’s needed most. Improving St Helier on its current site makes far more sense, especially considering the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.”
The public consultation on the changes, run earlier this year under the banner “Improving Healthcare Together” by the former NHS Merton, Sutton and Surrey Downs CCGs, ended as the UK went into lockdown. Now, the battle for St Helier’s future continues.
