Jersey’s hospital shortlist to contain just three sites

Jersey’s Treasury Minister has confirmed the shortlist of sites for the island’s new hospital will contain three locations, and the government may not borrow any money at all to pay for the build.

Deputy Susie Pinel today told the States Assembly that cash reserves held by government may, instead, be enough to cover the cost.

It comes just weeks after ministers confirmed the publication of their shortlist would be delayed until later this year.

A previous failed attempt to build the hospital, prior to the 2018 General Election, would have been funded through borrowing.

Today, the politician in charge of the island’s finances said that may not be the case this time around.

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When asked, specifically, about how it would be paid for, Deputy Pinel said: “Last time it was a long-term borrowing facility which, at the time, was the best way forward. There was a lot of criticism, at the time, that we were leaving our grandchildren with a huge debt. We don’t know the cost. We do have reserves so there may not necessarily be any borrowing at all.”