A significant investment of £3.2 million will transform intensive care and cardiac services at St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey, Surrey. This funding will modernise facilities for both heart patients and the most vulnerable infants in the region. The majority of the funding is sourced from Runnymede Borough Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which is collected through planning charges to mitigate the impact of local development.
According to Councillor Robert King, co-leader of Runnymede Borough Council, this investment is crucial for families during times when their loved ones require specialist care. “For families, the moments when a loved one needs specialist care are when the NHS matters most. That is why this investment we have championed at St Peter’s Hospital is so vital,” he stated.
Upgrades to Cardiac and Neonatal Care
The funding allocation includes £2.9 million specifically earmarked for upgrading the Cardiac Catheter Lab. This enhancement will enable the facility to perform a greater number of complex and less invasive heart procedures at an accelerated pace. Additionally, the hospital will receive £296,000 to refurbish and modernise the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, which is the only Level 3 facility in Surrey. Level 3 wards provide the highest quality of care for the smallest and most premature infants.
Cllr King emphasised the importance of these improvements, saying, “Together, these improvements will strengthen care for some of the most vulnerable babies and adults, ensuring local people receive world-class treatment when they need it most.”
Enhancing Patient and Family Experiences
Louise Stead, Chief Executive Officer of Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals, remarked that the upgrades will enhance the hospital’s capacity to deliver timely, life-saving care in modern, purpose-built settings. The hospital trust indicated that the enhancements would also focus on improving facilities for families and medical teams. This includes upgraded rooms designed to provide greater comfort, privacy, and reassurance during challenging times.
The funding represents one of the most significant local healthcare investments in recent years and is expected to deliver these vital improvements within the next two years. The local community can look forward to enhanced healthcare services that prioritise the needs of both patients and their families, ultimately ensuring a better start for the region’s most vulnerable members.