Epsom Hospital, Surrey, 'will not close' under NHS review

Proposals have been set out for five hospital sites across London and Surrey

Assurances have been given that Epsom Hospital will not close under an NHS review covering Surrey and south west London, Epsom council has said.

Epsom and Ewell councillors met NHS chiefs and asked them directly if there was a possibility that the hospital could close, a spokesman said.

But the team behind the review said there was a role for the hospital.

Councillor George Crawford said there were positive messages, but still significant areas of uncertainty.

The chairman of the Epsom and Ewell health liaison committee said: "We know times have changed and the Epsom Hospital of 20 years' time will be different from today, just as today it is different from 20 years ago."

He said the council would wait to see the full recommendations from the review and would continue to lobby for what was best for the borough's residents.

Proposals set out under the Better Services Better Value review are to have three hospitals with A&E and maternity units across fives sites - Epsom, St Helier, Kingston, Croydon and St George's.

Plans are to continue to have services at all five sites, with all providing urgent care, day surgery and outpatient services.