Andrea Leadsom thanked Elliot Colburn for raising the issue, highlighting his consistent advocacy and noting the trust’s progress in reducing backlog maintenance. She confirmed that the Department is working closely with Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust on their plans for a new specialist emergency care hospital as part of the new hospital programme. The Minister announced that over £23 million has been allocated to support site preparation activities, including demolition at St Helier Hospital and improvements to utilities infrastructure in Sutton. Additional funding of £7.3 million was provided for relocating services from Epsom and Ewell cottage hospital, with construction completed in August 2023. Further, £6.1 million was allocated for A&E upgrade works at both hospitals to enhance emergency department capacity. Leadsom also gave an update on the wider new hospital programme, noting that four hospitals are operational and several more are expected to open by the end of the next financial year. She reassured Colburn about continued funding support and promised a meeting with Lord Markham to discuss the project in detail.