14 June 2016
The Council of Ministers has now confirmed that the site choice for the new hospital will be an extension of the existing hospital site along Newgate Street and some adjoining properties in Kensington Place.
In January of this year, it was agreed there would be a period of public engagement to consider the sites that had been shortlisted for Jersey's Future Hospital. During the ensuing engagement period, the decision was made to remove People’s Park from consideration when it became apparent that this was not acceptable to the public, or to the majority of the States Assembly.
After a careful assessment of all remaining options, a decision has now been made on a site choice, which is an extension of the existing General Hospital site that makes use of the Patriotic Street car park. This option is being recommended because the Council of Ministers collectively believe that it can:
- deliver a new build high-quality hospital
- be delivered in eight years, in a single main construction phase
- minimise disruption to the current hospital during construction, which would not have been the case with the previous plan to use the existing site
- align to the States of Jersey fiscal plans and be delivered within a budget commensurate to alternative new build new sites
- be acceptable to the Parish of St Helier, Planning and Transport Authorities and to meet the expectations of the public, patients and staff
Minister for Health and Social Services, Senator Andrew Green, said "I am absolutely delighted that the Council of Ministers has now confirmed they will recommend the current hospital site as the chosen site for our new hospital. It is right that so many site options were considered, as this is such an important decision, however it is important that we now commence planning for our future hospital in earnest.
"We are all well aware by now that there is no perfect solution, but this option, including Peter Crill House, the current Gwyneth Huelin wing and extending to Kensington Place has many benefits, including the use of the Patriotic Street car park to enable access at several different levels. We have a long way to go before we can confirm the design that will give us the best hospital and hospital services in consultation with patients, staff, visitors, neighbours, authorities and our many stakeholders.
"To that end are now beginning a second phase of communications to make sure that everyone is fully aware of the implications of this option and of the choices and potential of the preferred site. During this time the Future Hospital team will develop and share further feasibility work to progress the project, and which will enable a meaningful States debate before the end of the year to seek States Assembly approval so that we can get on with delivering an excellent new hospital for the people of Jersey."
gov.je