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I do not know if £804 million for a new hospital is value for money - it seems a lot compared with other new builds as long as one is comparing like with like. We do need facilities that can cater for an ageing population, future pandemics (because there will be some) and the varied health needs of an active population. As someone who has unexpectedly had to make significant use of our health service in recent years with all the difficulty that off-Island travel entails, I urge States Members to listen to clinical staff, pay attention to the population and statistics offices (regarding the future), and to take sensible decisions with regard to access and location. Overdale seems to be at best a compromise, not satisfying all needs - so change it. I urge our decision takers not to be driven by public demand (and I appreciate the irony of my comment!), but to take a decision that benefits the Island's future without regard to short term political expedience. Be bold and be statesperson like!
On another point, if you would permit me, the funding arrangements need to be properly considered. It is ridiculous to suggest the cost is x pence per person per week for 40 years as the future cost of borrowing is unknown over such a long time period. Let's have a grown-up and independent accountant work through the costs and publish them, please, before our politicians take decisions
Dr Stephen Chiang