Updates regarding:
· Progress on the new hospital build, and specialist developments at Epsom and St Helier hospitals
· An up-date on operational and staffing issues at Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust
· Up-date on the 5-year strategy for St Georges, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group
Speaker: James Blythe – Managing Director, Epsom and St Helier University, Hospitals NHS Trust
Speaker: Ralph Michell – Director of Strategy, St Georges, Epsom, and St Helier University Hospitals & Health Group (GESH)
Minutes:
The Chair invited the next guest speaker to take the floor.
James Blythe (Managing Director, Epsom, and St. Hellier University Hospitals NHS Trust) (JB) introduced himself to the Panel.
JB provided a presentation on the current statistics, showing that 554 patients have been seen, of which 59 have been admitted, plus there are still people in hospital from previous admissions. Comparing these statistics to 2019 – it shows a 30% increase in demand, but performance is good when compared to National Statistics. Cancer patients are treated in the 62-day timescale, which is meeting the national requirement. 100 patients with Covid are currently being treated, but the current strain does not appear to be making people badly ill.
The presentation also covered the following:
Financial outlook: Currently 13% of the Trusts posts are vacant. 5% are off on sick leave – this is a high sickness rate. The Trust is currently working on a new culture for staff which looks at providing more support.
New Hospital update: The new hospital will not be ready until 2027.
Work to date: The Link Bridge has been completed.
The New Epsom & Ewell Community Hospital (NEECH) and The Poplars: Both currently located at West Park Hospital can move to the Epsom General Hospital site.
The Chair invited the next guest speaker to take the floor.
Ralph Mitchell – Director of Strategy, St Georges, Epsom, and St Helier University Hospitals Group (GESH) (RM) introduced himself to the Panel.
RM explained that new legislation will be coming in making the hospital strategy involve much more collaboration with GP’s and other hospitals.
The Chair opened the floor for questions.
Following a question from a Councillor, JB said that the increase in mental health cases and the number of challenges has increased due to the pandemic, along with other factors. JB acknowledged the importance of working with Councillors, Epsom & Ewell, Reigate & Banstead and Elmbridge Councils, the GPs, and the hospitals.
A Councillors enquired about long waiting times in A&E. JB said that he is aware of the long waiting times experienced by patients and noted that the average waiting time is four hours. He stated that the queue is regularly prioritised every six to eight hours. He explained that it is a small department and those with greater needs are given priority over others. JB explained that there are multiple areas of consideration within A&E – ambulance admissions, handover for SE AS crew, etc. JB meets with his team every morning to discuss it and the Board are constantly balancing the risks.
A Councillor made an enquiry in relation to staffing vacancies. JB explained they have always dealt with challenges surrounding staff vacancies as they are competing for applicants in a particularly challenging market. They shall continue to encourage people to apply, with the main thrust being that Epsom is an extremely attractive place to work.
A Councillor asked for information regarding the new Acute Centre? JB explained that it must be built to a certain size and standard. Single rooms are much more intensive to nurse, but the Government is committed to this as a standard.
Another Councillor asked a question about the 3 hospitals (St. Georges, St. Hellier and Epsom) with regard to how people move between the sites. RM explained there will be shuttle services between the sites which will be open to patients as a part of the travel plan. He stated that operations are becoming a lot more centralised between St. Georges, St. Hellier and Epsom.
A Councillor asked about the long waiting time at Epsom General Hospital Pharmacy. They pressed that the parking charges that are accrued whilst waiting for a prescription are unaffordable. JB understood the frustration and suggested that the Pharmacy could ask people to come back at a prearranged time. He said he will note the feedback and see if anything can be done.