Merton Council's Healthier Communities and Older People Overview and Scrutiny Panel is set to discuss the repair schedule for St Helier Hospital at its meeting on Thursday, 26 June 2025. The discussion will focus on addressing the hospital's serious state of disrepair
and how recently agreed government funding will be allocated.
James Blythe, Managing Director for Epsom and St Helier, is scheduled to present a report to the panel detailing the planned repairs. The panel, chaired by Councillor Agatha Mary Akyigyina OBE, will also receive a verbal update from Mark Creelman on Wilson Hospital and the Health and Wellbeing Hub in East Merton, as well as the 'Case for Change'.
Beyond the immediate concerns at St Helier, the panel will review its work programme for 2025-2026. The draft programme, outlined in the DRAFT HCOP Work Programme 25-26.pdf, includes a range of topics for future meetings. These include reports on the Healthwatch Annual Report, Adult Social Care (ASC) Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection outcomes, and the impact of Integrated Care Board (ICB) changes on Merton residents' health and wellbeing.
Councillor Peter McCabe, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, will provide a verbal update on current priorities in relation to the panel's work programme. The meeting, accessible via https://opencouncil.network/meetings/71285, promises a comprehensive overview of healthcare issues and priorities within the Merton community. The agenda and reports pack are available for public review.