Millions to be spent upgrading the PEH

Thursday 28 March 2019

The Princess Elizabeth Hospital is to get a multi million pound upgrade - starting with the maternity, critical care and theatre areas.

The Committee for Health and Social Care had asked for £93.4million in total, to be spent in phases, during yesterday's States debate where the island's politicians backed the plans by 33 votes to six.

Initially, £44.3million will be spent on phase one, with the work starting this year and lasting until 2021.

It will be a ten year modernisation plan in all, which HSC President, Deputy Heidi Soulsby said was essential for the continuing care of island residents. 

She is now delighted the plans have been given the financial go ahead, saying all HSC staff have been involved in the planning stages. 

All the hard work from HSC staff paid off today when States overwhelmingly approved hospital modernisation plan. Well done guys! We can now press ahead and make a difference sooner rather than later. #partnershipofpurpose

— Heidi Soulsby (@HeidiSoulsby) March 27, 2019

The States unanimously approved Health & Social Care's proposal to progress with their ten year programme to modernise the PEH.

A last minute attempt to derail the funding request for Phase 1 of the work was unsuccessful.

Deputy Laurie Queripel, backed by Deputy Joe Mooney, had wanted the business case debated in detail before the plans were approved. They were among some deputies who criticised the lack of detail in the plans.

There were also questions over staffing levels and the level of expectation from the public over services that can be provided in a small island. 

Pictured: Guernsey's Princess Elizabeth Hospital.