The Island’s MP Andrew Turner has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement this week of additional capital funding of £2.2m to address a backlog of maintenance at St Mary’s Hospital and the purchase of new equipment.

The money will be made available over two years (£1m in 2011/12 and £1.2m in 2012/13) and is in addition to the planned capital funding for the two years – just over £12m allocated for 2011/12 and a bid for £13.8m in 2012/13 on which approval from the Department of Health is awaited. This is separate from the increased ‘revenue’ funding announced last year for the provision of healthcare which will see the Isle of Wight Primary Care Trust receive over £268.6m in 2012/13, an increase of £7.3m or 2.8%.

Mr Turner said :

“This additional capital money to deal with building maintenance issues and the purchase of equipment will make a real difference to patients here on the Island. It will ensure that St Mary’s can continue to deliver first class healthcare to Island residents and visitors.

“On the mainland people find it much easier to choose to be treated at places other than their local hospital - for Islanders that is much more difficult. It is therefore particularly important that our local hospital and other healthcare buildings around the Island are fit for purpose and this extra money will help to ensure that. ”

END Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808