The Scrutiny Committee of Sutton Council met on 16 April 2025 to discuss public transport, the Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, and hospice provision in Sutton. The committee noted reports on each of these topics.

Public Transport in Sutton

The committee received an update on public transport in Sutton, noting that while improvements have been made, there is still a need to ensure all areas of the borough are adequately served. Transport for London (TfL) officers explained that electric buses are heavier than traditional buses due to their batteries, which could impact road durability. TfL has begun the process of considering a request to rename bus stop announcements and timetables for routes 93, 413, and 293 to include St Raphael's Hospice.

Concerns were raised about the decline in bus usage, which TfL officers attributed to factors such as an ageing population, stagnant incomes, reduced high street activity, and slower traffic speeds. Similarly, changes in rail usage were linked to working from home trends, resident income, and demographics. TfL officers confirmed that metroisation of the south and south-east London rail network aims to increase train frequency by making more intensive use of the existing infrastructure. They also stated there are no current plans to alter the route of the Superloop buses.

Councillor Luke Taylor declared an interest as his wife was working on a TfL project. Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) officers explained that train cancellations were often due to driver sickness, and that while Carshalton Beeches remains a priority for accessibility improvements, current funding is unavailable until the next window opens.

Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust: Update

The committee noted an update on the Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust. Apologies were received from senior officers of the Trust. The report highlighted that the construction of a new Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Sutton, part of the 'Building Your Future Hospitals Programme', is now unlikely to start until 2032, as it falls within the second wave of government investment. In the interim, the Trust is working to mitigate potential failures in critical infrastructure and seeking funding to improve existing facilities at Epsom and St Helier hospitals.

The report also covered the Trust's financial position, which is described as extremely challenging with an expected deficit of £51.8m at year-end. Incidents of violence and aggression towards hospital staff have risen significantly, and the Trust is developing plans to address this, including enhanced security and staff training. Updates on maternity services indicated progress in addressing areas for improvement identified by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), with positive feedback received from mothers and birthing people.

Hospice Provision in Sutton

The committee received an update on hospice provision in Sutton from officers from NHS South West London. It was explained that palliative care services are available through various means, including hospices, and that planning end-of-life care is crucial to ensure patients can access appropriate care, with most preferring not to die in hospital.

Officers discussed the current financial challenges faced by hospices and the need to operate within budgetary constraints. The cessation of the Hospice at Home service by St Raphael's Hospice was noted as a decision made by the hospice itself. The NHS South West London Integrated Care Board (ICB) is working with St Raphael's Hospice to support them in providing a range of palliative care services. The committee was informed that funding decisions and rationale for individual hospices are available on the government's website.