- New hospital won’t be built over two sites as it would be two expensive
- Now only two locations in the running
- Listen to the Minister’s comments below
- Where do you think the new hospital should be built? Take part in our poll
PLANS to build Jersey’s new hospital over two sites have been scrapped – because it would be too expensive.
The States had previously outlined proposals to build the 275-bed hospital across the current site and Overdale.
The plans were later reviewed – and other options considered – after a Scrutiny Panel raised concerns.
And yesterday Health Minister Andrew Green confirmed that the previously preferred dual-site option had been dropped and there were now only two locations in the running.
He added that the original budget of £300 million would also be exceeded as costs have spiralled due to inflation since the original estimates were made.
The four options under consideration were: the dual site, or a new build on the current plot, at Overdale or the Waterfront.
However, Senator Green said that spreading the hospital over two sites would be ‘too expensive’ and was therefore no longer being considered.
Another of the four options has also been ruled out, but the minister declined to confirm which one.
He made the announcement during a speech at the Citizens Advice Bureau’s annual general meeting at St Paul’s Centre in St Helier last night.
Addressing the gathering Senator Green confirmed that the original budget of £300 million would have to be exceeded.
‘I can tell you the choices have now been narrowed down to two,’ said the minister, who added that if the Waterfront option is chosen it would not interfere with plans to build the Jersey International Finance Centre at the Esplanade.
‘The site-option appraisal has been undertaken on the four original sites on a like-for-like basis.
‘The sites have been costed and scored against a matrix of benefit, risk, build cost and importantly full-life costs including revenue and opportunity cost.
‘One thousand four hundred pages sit on my desk and I have read every word.
‘I can tell you that the previously preferred dual-site option will not be pursued.
‘Whatever option is chosen the cost will be higher than the near £300 million budget.
‘There has been a significant increase in costs since 2013 as a result of inflation.’
Speaking to the JEP after his speech Senator Green said that the high cost of the dual-site option was ‘the main reason’ why it had been dropped.
‘When you take everything into account – not just build costs – it is the most expensive,’ he said.
The minister again warned that Jersey’s healthcare system would have to adapt to ensure it was sustainable in the future.
He stressed that the Island must move to increase and improve the level of community healthcare it offers, otherwise a new hospital would have to house ‘at least 400 beds’.
‘Frankly, nobody should die in hospital unless it is unexpected, like a cardiac arrest,’ he said.
The new hospital would take at least six years to build and Senator Green said that the majority of beds, with the exception of the Intensive Care Unit and Robin Ward, will be in single rooms.
BACK in November, Health Minister Andrew Green told the States that he had ‘grave concerns’ about developing a two-site hospital.
Senator Green told the House that it was unclear how the proposed two site solution for a new hospital would affect revenue and costs.
During question time he said: ‘If we are to have a fully integrated health service, teamwork will be essential.
‘Access to primary care must also be reviewed with a view to reviewing services in the community.
‘Change can only be achieved if it is done with the staff, not to the staff.’
He added: ‘We are sitting on a time bomb.
‘A bomb that I and my ministerial team can defuse.
‘If you always do what you’ve always done you’ll always get what you’ve always got.
‘It’s time for change.’
