Proposals to close services at St Helier hospital risks overwhelming neighbouring hospitals, Merton Council Leader Councillor Ross Garrod has said in a letter to the new Health Secretary, Victoria Atkins.

Merton Council has commissioned an independent Impact Assessment which estimates 50,000 residents could be displaced for healthcare if services are closed at St Helier, putting further pressure on local hospitals such as St George’s, Kingston, and Croydon which are already struggling   | Merton Council Newsroom.

Councillor Garrod wrote: “Recent coverage in local and national media has shown St Helier Hospital to be in an appalling state of disrepair, with the former Chief Medical Officer at Epsom and St Helier describing the building as ‘crumbling’, ‘dilapidated’ and an ‘unpleasant environment’. Despite this state of disrepair, St Helier remains a trusted and much-loved hospital for local people.”

“I believe this decision would be to the detriment of local people who rely on these vital services at St Helier Hospital, and that especially following the unprecedented increase in pressure on local healthcare systems following the pandemic, this would overwhelm nearby hospitals such as St George’s, Kingston and Croydon.”