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The former leader of the £800m project to build a ‘health campus’ at Overdale has challenged the Chief Minister to a public debate over the best way forward for a new hospital.
Deputy Lyndon Farnham last night sent a letter to Deputy Kristina Moore, suggesting that they broadcast the event using the government’s studio in the Parade.
Deputy Farnham, who held political responsibility for the Our Hospital project under the previous government, said the request was prompted by the publication of a review of the plans which he described as “vague”, “light on detail” and “almost wholly subjective”.
Endorsed by the Chief Minister, the review led by Infrastructure Minister Tom Binet argued for a “phased option delivered over two or more sites", primarily at Overdale and Gloucester Street/Kensington Place, where work on homes was halted in anticipation over summer.
Said to be up to £170m cheaper than the all-in-one option, the multi-site solution would also mean maintaining the current 'satellite' health premises being set up at the former Les Quennevais School site, and potentially keeping mental health services at a separate location, subject to the findings of a new review.
In his letter, Deputy Farnham disputed the review’s finding that the original Overdale scheme was “unaffordable”.
“This is simply not true,” he said, adding: “It should be noted that your review provides no guarantee against its own claims of savings, omits contingencies for inflation and ignores other important financial facts.”
“The public need to be properly informed and, to that end, I would like to invite you to participate in a public debate to discuss and clarify these issues,” he continued.
He suggested the event be overseen by “an independent facilitator” and that questions be invited from the media and the public.
“Given the high importance of this issue, I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible,” he wrote
Click below to read Deputy Farnham's letter to Chief Minister Deputy Kristina Moore in full...
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