Surbiton Hospital latest

There was a stakeholder meeting on the future of Surbiton Hospital this afternoon at which the latest developments were outlined.

The intention is to build a structure which will have a smaller footprint than the existing hospital but also much more space because it won’t be single storey. The building will be constructed in such a way as to make it as flexible as possible on the inside, so that changing demands and treatments can be accommodated within the building over its lifetime.

The groups involved in planning contain GPs, dentists and pharmacists, Your Healthcare (NHS Kingston’s service provider), Kingston Hospital, RBK and various voluntary groups and charities like KVA and Age Concern.

Nick Kilby raised a concern that services at the new ‘polyclinic’ should not weaken existing services at Kingston hospital.

Local residents from the Oakhill area and members of the Local Involvement Network (LINk) were well represented and expressed some concern about what other buildings might go on the site besides the polyclinic. There was vocal opposition to the idea of a primary school on the site, one resident raising concerns that this might infringe covenants in force restricting the use of the land to health uses. I pointed out that there was concern that there was in existence a ‘done deal’ between RBK and NHS Kingston on the provision of a school on the site in spite of repeated assurances that this was not so. I received an assurance from Anne Redparth of RBK that this was one site being considered and that there would be full consultation before a planning application was submitted.

There is a period of consultation on the school proposal running from 15th March until 10th May. There will be a public meeting regarding the school on Monday 29th March at 7 p.m. at the Surbiton Masonic Hall, Glenmore House, 6 The Crescent, Surbiton. Full details of the consultation can be found on the RBK website (use the ‘Kingston Council’ link in the right hand column of your screen) and a document outlining proposals and including a questionnaire will be very widely circulated.