Jersey's Samarès ward to relocate as work progresses for Acute Hospital

All buildings on the Overdale site, except Westmount Centre, have now been vacated

A rehabilitation ward to help patients recover from strokes and other injuries has secured a new location in Jersey.

Samarès ward is currently at Overdale's Westmount Centre.

It is set to transfer to a new facility within the grounds of St Ewold's residential care home.

Constable Andy Jehan, Minister for Infrastructure, said the new building has 20 bedrooms, access to dedicated gardens, patient dining, therapy areas and parking spaces.

Mr Jehan also said the relocation is a key move to allow full demolition of healthcare buildings to take place at Overdale, providing a clear site for a new acute hospital.

It is expected the Overdale site will be cleared by the end of 2024 to allow the construction of a new acute hospital to start in 2025

Mr Jehan said: "Over the last few years, I have taken a great interest in the need to ensure Islanders have access to high quality, fit-for-purpose rehabilitation facilities.

"Together with former Senator Steve Pallett, I ensured rehabilitation facilities were restored at Westmount Centre, instead of remaining at the general hospital.

"I am delighted that we have found a new location for this very important service and, having viewed it myself, I am very impressed."

Deputy Tom Binet, Minister for Health and Social Services, said he had committed to Islanders that Samarès ward would remain until a new facility, of same or better quality, had been identified.

"I am confident that the facility at St Ewold's meets these criteria, and I am very pleased that health and community services will be able to deliver excellent services for Islanders in this new rehabilitation facility", he said.

Tom Binet said they have engaged with stroke charities who had been supportive of the new centre

Constable Simon Crowcroft, Connetable of St Helier said it is an "example of true partnership working between the Parish and the Government of Jersey".

"When Samarès ward relocates to St Ewold's, it will occupy the area where Avranches nursery was previously located and will have no impact on the running of the care home. We look forward to welcoming rehabilitation services to the facility," he said.