St Helier Hospital faces daily disruption from failing infrastructure

Staff and patients at St Helier Hospital are contending with daily disruptions caused by the facility's failing infrastructure. The 84-year-old building, established in 1942, is experiencing issues ranging from unreliable lifts and leaking pipes to health concerns over its water systems. These problems are diverting staff energy from patient care to estate emergencies, according to Dr Rebecca Suckling, St Helier and Epsom's Chief Medical Officer.

Ongoing infrastructure problems

The hospital's lifts are a significant concern, with regular breakdowns forcing the relocation of services. In July, children's services had to be moved after a lift failure, requiring the conversion of a main ward to accommodate paediatric patients. The hospital incurs an annual cost of around £300,000 for the maintenance and repair of these faulty lifts. The age of the lifts means replacement parts are no longer manufactured, necessitating custom fabrication or complete rebuilding, which extends repair times.

Further compounding the issues, 13 beds in the Reablement Unit have been out of use since the start of the month. This closure is due to a large crack that appeared above a patient's bed, creating a draught. The unit, which provides short-term therapy to help patients regain independence, can now only use five of its 18 beds. An investigation into the crack is required, likely leading to the temporary closure of the entire unit for extensive remedial works, with an estimated cost in the hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Health concerns in Women's Health ward

Health concerns have also been raised regarding the Women's Health ward, which is supplied by pre-war pipework. Rising levels of Pseudomonas bacteria have been detected in this system. While often harmless, certain species of Pseudomonas can cause serious infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. The hospital group's Chief Executive, Mat Shaw, is considering options including refurbishing the unit floor by floor or relocating maternity and neonatal services to other sites.

A decision on the Women's Health ward is expected from the hospital's board following a meeting on November 6. Local MPs have written to the Secretary of State regarding the protection of these services. Dr Suckling stated that patients would be informed of any changes and that, as of now, babies would still be delivered at St Helier.

The hospital's estate issues are significant enough that Dr Suckling indicated the facility may not be able to continue with temporary fixes for much longer without substantial investment. A full rebuild of St Helier Hospital is not expected to be completed before at least 2032.