The Future Hospital Scrutiny Review Panel has launched a review into the proposed primary access route to the new general hospital being built on the Overdale site.
The review is in response to the Council of Ministers’ proposition ‘Our Hospital: Preferred Access Route’, which asks States Members to approve Westmount Road as the primary access option. The road would remain two-way, with areas for active modes of travel, such as walking and cycling. The Proposition is accompanied by a technical report, which highlights 70+ options and the process involved in appraising these, before finally arriving at the preferred access route.
The Panel is undertaking a targeted review with particular emphasis on:
- How this process was undertaken
- Whether the final option being proposed is the most appropriate
- The potential impact of the final option on those that reside in the access area
- How the final option would impact the public
- Whether the proposed access route maximises sustainable modes of travel to and from the new hospital
- Whether this option can be completed within the budgeted outline cost of £38.7 million, as proposed within the anticipated costs
Panel Chair, Senator Kristina Moore, commented: "It’s crucial that we establish any limitations to the access road now before building work commences. The Panel needs to provide assurance to all those affected by this proposed option that the 70+ options were assessed appropriately and that the best option is the one that is being put forward”.
To inform its work, the Panel intends to hold public hearings with the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister, in his role as Chair of the Our Hospital Political Oversight Group. In addition, the Panel will seek the views of key stakeholders and request submissions from the public via social media.
The review is expected to last until the end of January 2021 with the debate due to take place on Tuesday 9 February. Ahead of the debate, the Panel will publish a report on its work, including any findings and recommendations.
You can also share your views with the panel via the ‘Get involved’ form on the States Assembly website, by emailing [email protected] or via the States Assembly social media pages.
Scrutiny Press Release.