Since December last year I have been pressing for a public meeting on the Weybridge Hospital site as I know this is the number one priority for most people locally. It has been five years since the old hospital burnt down and it is vital permanent health services are rebuilt and residents are consulted and updated on progress towards this.
I issued an invitation last week to organise this event, due to take place on 20th May, and there has clearly been some confusion. As I stated in my event information, delivery of this project and the broader Weybridge regeneration is not within my remit but is being led by Surrey County Council and the NHS in partnership with Elmbridge Borough Council. After liaising with the Surrey County Council team today I am delighted to confirm that they are going to run the engagement event, and that it will take place from 2pm to 7pm on the 20th May at St James' Church.
This is particularly important as it will mean more people can attend, as registrations for the initial event far exceeded capacity within 48 hours! This confirms how important this issue is for residents, and the need for community engagement. It is intended that details of the project plans will also be placed in Weybridge library for those who are unable to attend. The project team will also be updating their website, publishing a comprehensive Q&A and aim to attend further community events.
My priorities for health services in Weybridge continue to be:
- Get it built! We need to ensure the return of permanent health services in Weybridge as soon as possible. This should be the priority and first action within the project
- Same day access to health services
- Resident engagement
- Clear and regular communication.
I hope this engagement will help drive this forwards and look forward to attending the meeting on 20th May. I will ensure residents who have already submitted questions via my event registration link receive answers to their questions either at the event, via the website Q&A or by written response following the event.