Are you in favour of the new States of Jersey Assembly carrying out a review of the new hospital plans and the budget?
Firstly, at the time the manifesto for the Progress Party was agreed, planning permission for a new hospital at Overdale had not been given. Planning permission has now been given and we believe that we must proceed at Overdale (see answer 2) if there is not to be further delay that will result in extra cost both in the building of a new hospital and ensuring the current hospital remains fit for purpose.
We support a short review of what services need to be provided at the new hospital and whether building costs can be reduced to a level that will not burden future generations of islanders.
Do you think Overdale is the best site?
When the States took the decision to use Overdale as the preferred site for a new hospital, both Senator Steve Pallett and Deputy Steve Luce voted against and also voted against the new road layout.
We did not believe that Overdale was the best site and had grave reservations as to what information was provided to the Citizens Assembly for that group to conclude that Overdale was the best site. However now that planning permission has been granted, the Progress Party respect the democratic decision of the States Assembly and will not stand in the way of a new hospital being built at Overdale.
Are you in favour on a 2 site option?
Prior to planning permission being granted at Overdale, we supported a 2-site option at Gloucester Street and Overdale and had Overdale not received planning permission we would have supported this 2-site option.
Are you in favour of the new States of Jersey Assembly choosing an alternative site by the end of this year?
The new States of Jersey Assembly could not choose an alternative site in the time frame you are suggesting. The level of consultation required and information needed would take some considerable time and delay the building of a new hospital to a degree that we believe most islanders would find unacceptable.
TPP 15 June 2022