St Helier Hospital in south-west London has been branded as having “among the worst” infrastructure in the NHS, raising serious safety concerns as vital redevelopment plans are delayed until the 2030s. The dilapidated condition of the Sutton site is fuelling fears of catastrophic failure, with broken lifts, leaking ceilings and sinking floors now a daily reality for staff and patients.
Ken Welch, former director of estates for St Helier, described the hospital as a ticking time bomb. “In over 30 years working in the NHS, I’ve never seen buildings in a worse state,” he said. “I’m seriously concerned about the risk of fire, particularly with the increasing reliance on corridor care. Most of all, I fear for patient safety.”
MP Calls for Urgent Government Action
Carshalton and Wallington MP Bobby Dean urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to act swiftly, warning during Prime Minister’s Questions that the current estate may not last the decade. “There is a very real fear that some of the buildings could fail catastrophically before the major works even begin,” Dean said.
The government has postponed plans for a new Specialist Emergency Care Unit adjacent to the hospital until at least 2033, following a review of the national New Hospitals Programme. Originally promised £500 million by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2019, the project’s cost has ballooned to an estimated £1.5–2 billion.
Local Families Speak Out Over Poor Conditions
Kate, a local mother, shared her experience: “The care from staff is excellent, but the hospital is clearly not fit for purpose. We had to carry our newborn up the stairs because the lift was broken. In any other setting, this building would be condemned.”
She added: “The system is failing both staff and patients. There are not enough midwives, doctors, or nurses to meet demand.”
Hospital Trust Defends Investment Amid Delays
Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust stated it has invested £60 million in essential repairs over the past five years. A spokesperson acknowledged the challenges, saying: “We continue investing in our estate to provide safe care. We apologise to any patients who have not received the level of care they expected – our teams are working tirelessly under huge pressure.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has agreed to meet with Bobby Dean to discuss the hospital’s future and explore interim solutions to ensure its continued operation.
