Jersey patients to benefit from better accommodation in Southampton

Saturday 21 January 2017

Around 170 Jersey people travelled to Southampton last year – mostly receiving radiotherapy treatment for cancer, needing a four to six week stay on the mainland - but now they’ll be able to benefit from new accommodation.

From the start of 2017, five serviced apartments will now be available in response to feedback from patients wishing for a more comfortable, homelier experience.

Previously, patients had stayed at Jury’s Inn Hotel Southampton, which was “…adequate, [but] did not provide the features and comfort they would like for long periods away from home,” according to Piers Andrews, Divisional Lead - Operational Support Services for HSSD.

The result of a new partnership with ESA Serviced Apartments, the arrangement will give Islanders the option to stay in two-bedroomed apartments in the Ocean Village marina complex – a 15-minute journey from Southampton General with a shuttle bus.

Each apartment will benefit from full kitchen facilities, Freeview TV and Wi-Fi, as well as being within close range of the Ocean Village’s wide variety of restaurant and retail outlets.

Pictured: The open-plan lounge and kitchen arrangement in the apartment. (Photo: ESA)

Courtesy collection from the airport will also be provided, while those who require more than a week’s stay are entitled to a £10 daily subsistence allowance to assist with food costs.

“As well as the vital treatment they are receiving, it is important that people feel comfortable in their surroundings and can relax during the periods they aren’t in hospital,” Mr Andrews added.

“After a lot of research and a pilot stay by one affected family, we are satisfied that the move to Ocean Village will be a major improvement for the vast majority of Islanders who go to Southampton.”

Colin Burgess, Chairman of the Jersey Cancer Trust, said that he was “very impressed” with the facilities, adding that they would, “…considerably enhance the experience of patients and those who travel with them.”

Photo: The modern-style bathrooms in each apartment. (Photo: ESA)

Charlie Turner, CEO of ESA Serviced Apartments, commented: "By providing a relaxing home-from-home environment, we hope patients will have one less thing to worry about during treatment.”

Offered as part of an extended pilot scheme, the accommodation will remain under review by the HSSD, who will monitor patients’ feedback in order to provide the best possible long-term solution for Islanders."