New hospital – Minister says Waterfront location “ridiculous”

Tuesday 15 November 2016

Health Minister Andrew Green insists he is fully behind the preferred location of the new £466million hospital, following a heated debate in the States assembly today.

A report produced by project management company Concerto Partners, looking into the new hospital, pinpointed the Waterfront as the best location, but Senator Green says he prefers the current proposed site as it offers a “fantastic opportunity” to develop.

The Minister did not agree with Deputy Montford Tadier, who said the Waterfront location should have been chosen.

Deputy Tadier said: “The best site for the hospital is the Waterfront, not the current option that is being put forward. Can he explain the reasons why the hospital is not going there as it is so important for our population’s health care? We all know the best place for the hospital is down at the Waterfront and I think the Health Minister knows that in his heart of hearts, but he stands here trying to justify himself. He is risking the future of Jersey.”  

Senator Green said: “I don’t recognise what the Deputy is describing. There has been a lot of work done by professional people and advisors with experience.

“The fact is the Waterfront was not my first choice because you cannot get sufficient access there. The plan was to have a footbridge across the carriageway. I ask you, a footbridge for the sick, the infirm, the young, going across a six carriageway. Ridiculous. We have a fantastic opportunity here right alongside Patriotic Street, which people are accustomed to.  

“Regardless of my view, we have looked at the Waterfront and the currently proposed site. There is little to choose between them. But the fact is on this new site we can build a fantastic new hospital for the people of Jersey. We can deliver the best access of any of the 50 schemes we have looked at.

“We can deliver expansion potential for the future, dare I say it for 70 or 80 years’ time, when we will all be pushing up daisies. This is an opportunity for the people of Jersey, using our own land and a development that will still allow the masterplan to go forward for the Waterfront."