Issue - meetings

17.1     The Committee considered a report on the ESHT Building for our Future Hospital Redevelopment Programme which covered a range of capital developments and plans for hospital redevelopment at ESHT as part of the Government’s New Hospitals Programme.

17.2     The Committee asked if ESHT were likely to receive a decision on the business cases and future investment as part of the New Hospitals Programme ahead of a General Election.

17.3     Tracey Rose, ESHT Programme Director Building for our Future – Hospital Redevelopment, answered that ESHT hoped to receive a decision before the next General Election and were working to submit the business cases at the earliest opportunity to help secure any investment.

17.4     The Committee asked for clarification on whether there would be a newly built hospital at Eastbourne as part of the programme.

17.5     Tracey Rose confirmed that ESHT were working with New Hospital Programme to explore different options, which included the possibility of a newly built hospital. Joe Chadwick-Bell, ESHT Chief Executive, added that the Trust were engaged in live discussions to produce a business case and were considering a range of options as would be expected as part of that process. Chris Hodgson, ESHT Director of Estates and Facilities, added that whatever option was eventually progressed there would be additional investment.

17.6     The Committee asked what plans there were to expand parking at the Bexhill Hospital, including the provision of more disabled parking bays.

17.7     Chris Hodgson confirmed that in addition to building works commencing in October 2023, there would be additional car parking facilities on the Bexhill site. The provision of parking would come in the next calendar year once the main scheme was close to completion. Chris confirmed he would look further into the provision of disabled bays ahead of works beginning.

17.8     The Committee asked for an update on the recruitment of a transport liaison officer in Bexhill.

17.9     Chris Hodgson confirmed that there was nothing to update but would come back with more information.

17.10   The Committee asked for an update on works at the Conquest Hospital in Hastings and reassurance on the future provision of services at that site.

17.11   Joe Chadwick-Bell recognised potential concerns for people in Hastings when much of the focus remained on Eastbourne, but emphasised there was significant investment going into the Conquest. There were currently no plans to move any further services away from the Conquest and it remained a central site for a number acute services. Chris Hodgson, confirmed that the first stages of the Building for our Future programme were investment for business cases at Conquest, including two clinical departments and a multi-storey carpark. There had also been substantial recent capital funding allocated to Conquest for internal upgrades and refurbishment work which was often less visible. This has included two new MRI scanners and four new operating theatres. Chris offered to show interested members of the Committee around the site to help understand works that had taken place.

17.12   The Committee asked if future new  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17