Care firm to lead part of former hospital revamp

A private care company has been selected to lead part of a proposed redevelopment of a former hospital in Guernsey.

Policy and Resources Committee (P&R) said CI Healthcare would play a key role in the £5m project at King Edward VII hospital site, which would see the addition of 33 "much-needed" care home beds.

The committee said it was "acutely aware of the pressures on the industry" and acknowledged there was "limited availability of care home beds in the island".

CI Healthcare said it was expecting the facility to be ready for use in late 2027.

Managing director Nick Trott said: "This redevelopment will make a meaningful contribution to meeting the forecast 132 additional care home places required by 2030.

"We are excited to be making this substantial investment which showcases our commitment to Guernsey and will deliver a world class care facility on this site."

The King Edward VII hospital closed in 2014 after being in operation for 112 years.

Deputy Bob Murray, from P&R, said: "The King Edward VII site is a prime location and it makes total sense to use it to help meet the demand for long-term care.

"We think this is an excellent example of the States working with a private provider to facilitate the kind of investment needed, utilising vacant taxpayer-owned land without requiring any additional financial commitment by the public."

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