Information received from the office of Chris Grayling MP

“Dear constituent
 
I am writing to you with an update on a number of local issues.
 
Firstly, there are new rumours in circulation about the future of Epsom Hospital. In particular there is speculation that it will close in two years time.
 
I keep in regular contact with senior people in the local NHS and I know of nothing to substantiate these rumours. Some people in the NHS in South West London continue to argue that it needs a reduction in the number of hospitals, but there is a general consensus in the local NHS here that Epsom needs to be retained to support Surrey patients. Of course circumstances can change, but in fact at the moment Epsom is performing very well, as is the whole Epsom and St Helier trust. The Trust has pioneered some new ways of bringing together community and hospital care, and is seeing some real improvements as a result. Like many Trusts it remains under financial pressure as demand continues to rise across the NHS. But reports of the impending demise of Epsom are not right. I will keep a very close eye on things though and will be in touch very quickly if anything changes.
 
Many of you will be aware that the Post Office in Epsom has closed. This is a result of a dispute between the owner of the building and the Post Office. I have been in regular contact with the Post Office about what has happened, and have been given absolute assurances that the closure is temporary, while they look for alternative premises. They are also in discussion with the Borough Council about possible temporary accommodation. I am hopeful that the issue will be resolved before too long, as clearly it is not right for Epsom to be without a Post Office.
 
For those in Ashtead who have continued to be frustrated by the performance of the level crossing, the good news is that the work on replacing the crossing is now under way and will be finished in the summer.
 
The charity I am supporting this year is the Epsom branch of Age Concern. Our local Age Concern is not a part of the national charity, but is a small local charity in its own right and has to raise funds to carry out its important work. I hope to help them raise their profile during the year ahead.
 
And while on the subject of charities, I am keen to be in contact with the other small charities that operate in our area. There are a number of smaller organisations doing good work that are often not well known in the local community. If you are involved in one of these, I would be keen to hear from you and to find out more about what you do.
 
Finally if you need to make an appointment to see me at one of my regular surgeries, please contact my office on 01372 271036.
 
With best wishes
 
Chris Grayling”
 
Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP
Secretary of State for Transport
MP for Epsom and Ewell

This is one of Chris’s regular email updates for constituents. If you would like to reply to Chris please email him at: chris.grayling.mp@parliament.uk .