A new clinical director employed for Jersey's renewed hospital project will be paid £1,000 a day, as £845,000 is allocated to start a new site search.

Professor Ashok Handa is the first appointment to the new project team.

Professor Handa, who has signed a two-year contract with flights and accommodation paid, has been involved in the design of the Princess Royal Hospital in Sussex and the new Cancer Centre and John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

He'll work for three days a week in Jersey, consulting with Health staff and other islanders to advise the project team on the new hospital's creation.

"I am delighted to be appointed to this important clinical lead role in advising on the planning and delivery of Jersey’s new hospital, which is so
urgently needed. I will work closely with the Island’s clinicians and with wider healthcare providers, to ensure that the new hospital is fit for both current needs and those for future generations."

He was chosen after a specialist search for candidates with experience of this role in previous hospital design projects.

Group Medical Director for Health and Community Services (HCS), John McInerney, says he will have a big impact.

"This is a critical role for the new hospital project, as it provides an expert link between the island community, all our HCS partners and those who are designing the hospital to be integral to a new model of health and care in Jersey. Professor Handa brings significant experience and expertise in this field, and his appointment will provide positive impetus to the project."

Treasury Minister Deputy Susie Pinel has signed off the first tranche of funding - which will go towards a site review and selection process.

Gloucester Street remains on the table, even though politicians decided to pull the last project to build it there.

£2.6 million has been allocated for the first phase of the project, with another £4.8 million for the second phase.