Guildford: Franciscans to sell hospital

The Trustees of Mount Alvernia Hospital, Guildford, have announced that they are planning to sell the establishment, as a going concern. Sister Ann Kiely, Chairperson of the Trustees said: "Taking this decision was very difficult for us, but as Franciscan Missionaries, our primary obligation is to the welfare and development of our mission worldwide. As Trustees we are finding it increasingly difficult to provide the time and expertise needed to sustain the high standard at Mount Alvernia while meeting our worldwide obligations. "Our aim, therefore, will be to find a buyer who will be dedicated to continuing the ethos and upholding the Christian values which are so fundamental to the high quality care given at Mount Alvernia". Susan Thomas, Chair of the Board said: "Mount Alvernia was established by the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood in 1935 and throughout the years has sustained a high reputation for excellent healthcare. Everyone is saddened that the Trustees have taken this decision having built Mount Alvernia Hospital into the excellent facility it is today. Many people in Guildford and their families will have experienced the high quality care offered by the staff in the hospital. "We will be actively seeking a buyer who will build on the success of the past 70 years and invest in the future of the hospital for the next 70 years ensuring secure employment for nurses, therapists and other staff". Mount Alvernia Hospital is a 72 bedded private hospital specialising in oncology. It operates as a charitable trust, with profits used to fund Franciscan missionary work in places such as Zambia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and the Far East. The hospital employs 437 staff.