Epsom Hospital merger process to be scrutinised

The hospital is currently part of the Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust

A failed hospital merger is to be the subject of the next meeting of the Surrey Health Scrutiny Committee.

The acquisition of Epsom Hospital by Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was halted last year.

The hospital is currently part of the Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust.

Representatives of both hospitals will be among those speaking at Thursday's meeting. The committee has been asked to scrutinise the merger process.

'Areas of uncertainty'

Epsom Hospital has now been incorporated into the Better Services Better Value (BSBV) review programme lead by South West London NHS.

Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust has been looking at options for the future of the hospital but said no decisions had been made.

However, assurances have been given that it will not close under the review following a recent meeting between Epsom and Ewell councillors and NHS chiefs.

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

Proposals set out under the BSBV 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.