Work is starting to create a new hospital project team, with £7.4 million to be allocated for the first two phases of the scheme.

The Chief Minister announced the new plan in May, after the States Assembly revoked the previous government's decision to build on the existing site.

The funding hasn't been approved yet, but the States Employment Board has given the approval to send out invitations to tender and job adverts to try and avoid any more delays.

The team will comprise of:

• Project director, manager and administrative support
• Clinical director
• Health planner and clinical design team
• Health model data analysts
• Project accountant and support accountant
• Planning adviser
• Commercial specialist
• Procurement lawyer
• Governance support officer
• Scrutiny and audit lead
• Data manager
• HR officer
• Project management office
• Communications and engagement lead
• Apprentices

A separate team was used for work to build on Gloucester Street, before the second attempt at planning permission was rejected. They were disbanded several months ago.

The new team will put together a detailed financial business case, talk to islanders about site choices and then draw up an outline planning application for the preferred option.

"We need to make rapid progress on this project, which is so important for the long-term health of our community. If we are to meet the challenging timetable we have set ourselves, we need to start the recruitment and procurement processes now, although we won’t make any
appointments until we have the funding approved.

"Wherever possible, we will second existing employees to these roles, although we will need to bring in specialists from outside, in which case we will prioritise Islanders and local companies. If we can’t find the people in Jersey with the necessary experience, we will then look further afield. It’s important that we get flexibility and the best value for money, so we will use a number of fixed-term contracts to avoid a permanent increase in staffing.

"If politicians, officers and Islanders all get behind the work that’s due to start, we can develop the outline business case early next year and prepare a draft planning application for Jersey’s new hospital by early 2021." - Assistant Minister Deputy Hugh Raymond, New Hospital Project Champion.

£2.8m will be allocated for the first phase, with £4.6m for the second.