Multi-Site Hospital Report

​​Request 720774907

It is normal when a minister is making a major decision to seek outside independent validation of their decision. When the decision was taken to adopt a multi-site health estate questions would have to be asked about resourcing multiple sites with both clinicians, support staff and equipment. Any duplication could be expensive, especially when clinical resource is already hard to recruit. Additionally would their be any unnecessary risk to clinical outcomes, potentially life threatening. Please publish the report the minister received to confirm the decision, and any other independent advice they were given

Response

The decision to move from a single-site health estate to a phased, multi-site model was made by the Government of Jersey following an independent review commissioned shortly after taking office. The rationale and supporting evidence were developed over several stages, with a focus on sustainability, service delivery, and patient outcomes.

Key documents informing the decision are available in the public domain, as linked below. These documents constitute the basis of independent advice and strategic validation for the Minister's decision. As information is available elsewhere, Article 23 of the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 has been applied. 

1. R.154/2022 – A Review of the Our Hospital Project:

This report, published in November 2022, followed the Government's 100-day review and provided a comprehensive evaluation of the previous single-site hospital proposal. It concluded that the project was financially and logistically unsustainable and recommended exploring alternative approaches, including a phased or multi-site solution.

2. R.32/2023 – Approach to Delivering New Health Care Facilities:

This report, presented to the States Assembly on 28 February 2023, formally confirmed the revised direction based on the findings of R.154/2022. It outlined the principles of the New Healthcare Facilities (NHF) Programme and the intention to pursue a phased, multi-site development that would be clinically effective, deliverable, and financially viable.

3. Feasibility Study Summary ​ – NHF Feasibility Study (Published 22 June 2023):

This study explored the practical delivery of the new multi-site approach and provided evidence for the feasibility of a multi-site solution. It was informed by engagement with clinical staff and other stakeholders and addressed critical issues including resourcing, equipment, workforce, and patient safety. It concluded that a phased, multi-site approach could be delivered effectively without compromising clinical outcomes.

Article applied

Article 23 - Information accessible to applicant by other means

(1) Information is absolutely exempt information if it is reasonably available to the applicant, otherwise than under this Law, whether or not free of charge.

(2) A scheduled public authority that refuses an application for information on this ground must make reasonable efforts to inform the applicant where the applicant may obtain the information.​​