“St. Helier is there for people like me who suffer from diabetes. When I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes in late 2010, it was reassuring to know that there was a local hospital like St. Helier close-by to provide care when needed. The hospital was there for me, I’m here for it when it needs me.”
Jason Hughes, South Sutton
“My son who was born in St Helier, was playing rugby for the first time in a taster session on the field opposite St Helier hospital. He dislocated his thumb in a tackle and was taken across the road to A&E. The staff were great, resetting his thumb whilst keeping him calm. The experience didn’t put him off the game and he went on to enjoy the sport at school for a number of years after. My family has relied on our local hospital for decades.”
Paul Scully, Carshalton
“When I broke my arm three years ago last December the treatment I received was excellent. I had the usual wait in A and E but after I was assessed by the triage nurse, the care I received from X-ray, the plaster clinic and the doctors could not be faulted. I am sure that because of the excellent treatment that I received I have not had any problems with the arm since.”
Heather Howell, Wallington
“The closure of the A&E together with the maternity unit at St Helier hospital, is a source of concern for all local residents who are currently reassured by the availability of these facilities. To remove them is to short change Sutton residents who have contributed to the NHS through taxes and National Insurance. My Wife and I have both used the facilities, with our first daughter being born there back in 1967. I have also used the A&E for various minor treatments, the one that comes to mind was after being bitten by a dog and arriving with blood dripping from my hand. I was soon bandaged up and given a dose of antibiotics and sent on my way.
“I know at one time you could wait up to 4 hours in A&E, before receiving attention, this I believe has been improved. Now consider if the A&E is closed at St Helier that will immediately impact on the next nearest three A&Es by increasing their workload by a third, and we are then back to longer waiting times, a higher risk of mortality and having to travel longer distances for treatment etc. Does this really make sense? Or do the accountants and not the doctors have their hand on our pulse. It is a social necessity in any country, where duty of care is the accepted principle.”
Alan Plant, North Cheam
“I have to attend the Anti-Coagulant Clinic in the Haematology Dept every 8 to 10 weeks after a severe heart attack whilst playing tennis. The clinic is run very efficiently. The attitude of the staff, particularly to older patients who make up the majority of the people attending, is kind and caring. If the patients have mobility difficulties they are always helped without question. I am back playing tennis several hours each week. Urgent care was there when I most needed it, now I am there to help St Helier in its hour of need.”
Eric Howell, Wallington