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STATEMENT TO BE MADE BY THE MINISTER FOR INFRASTRUCTURE ON TUESDAY 28th FEBRUARY 2023
Update on New Healthcare Facilities Programme
It will come as no surprise to Members of the Assembly that the Council of Ministers remain committed to delivering good quality healthcare facilities as soon as it possibly can.
Following the Our Hospital Review, we're committed to starting construction within this term of Government and it's safe to say that our intentions haven't changed.
This morning, I want to take the opportunity to provide the Assembly, and members of the public, with an update on our programme of works, the details of which are contained in the Report presented today.
For the avoidance of doubt, I can confirm that the facilities will meet the requirements of good, modern hospital care, but, by following a multi-site solution, will also manage the overarching economic risk posed by building on one site.
This approach will see us replacing our essential facilities while committing less capital at any given time.
As Members will know, a significant amount of money has already been spent, but, as stated previously, we are already utilising much of the intellectual capital invested in previous schemes, all of which should help to minimise further spending and help accelerate delivery.
The project is now being led by a small team of our own people, the leader of which is a highly competent individual with six years' experience as the deputy to that role. On a personal level, I have great confidence in this person and her equally professional colleagues. Together they are constructing a wider team of professional services providers, many of whom have proven their worth by virtue of the work they have already undertaken in the Our Hospital project.
We are currently working with Scrutiny to broaden the quality of governance on the political oversight group by recruiting an independent non-executive director to provide additional, relevant project delivery experience. I would like to assure members that this will not be an expensive appointment – circa £12,000 per annum.
Following a recent presentation, many Members of the Assembly will be aware of the proposed timelines for 2023, which will see the completion of a feasibility study created from the bones of the Our Hospital project and fleshed out by further consultation with clinicians, medical staff and healthcare workers.
This will result in a clear plan, identifying the most appropriate utilisation of the key sites involved.
We are aiming to share this with the Assembly some time in May.
Going forward, our project team will continue to work with the Minister for Health and Social Services and her team to ensure that all clinicians, care workers, administrative and other support staff, have an opportunity to express their views.
We also intend to revive the Citizens' Panel and give them a significantly broader brief so that the opinions of the public may be better represented than hitherto.
In the next few weeks, we are hoping to transfer ownership of land at Kensington Place from Andium, and, following receipt of a planning permit late last week, commence demolition of the unused dilapidated buildings at Overdale.
Work at the former Les Quennevais School continues to run on time, which should result in completion early in July. As Members will know, this will facilitate the transfer of most of the services currently delivered at Overdale and, subject to confirmation, the facilities will be retained for use in the longer term. This will reduce the area required on the two main sites and result in a corresponding reduction in capital outlay.
I am also pleased to confirm that, following consultation with the Health Minister and the Parish of St. Brelade , this facility will be known as the Enid Quenault Health and Wellbeing Centre, in recognition of the extraordinary achievements of the former Connétable .
Whilst Les Quennevais is a complete refurbishment, I should just take this opportunity to confirm that there is no intention to refurbish any of the buildings at Overdale or Gloucester Street for medical services. These will be new build, save, perhaps, for the possibility of converting the Parade Gardens block for staff accommodation. This is work under consideration.
Later in the year, the Council of Ministers will bring a financial plan to this Assembly as part of the Government Plan 2024-27.
At that point, it will be for the Assembly to decide how we proceed, and whether we can lodge a planning application for Phase 1.
Finally, in terms of future communication, I want Members to know that I am committed to ensuring that everyone concerned will get clear and easily understandable information at every stage.
I am happy to take questions from Members.