Havering Link, the borough’s independent NHS user group, carried out an unannounced “enter and view” visit to St George’s Hospital to find out the truth about claims the building – particularly its boiler – was not fit for purpose.

The three inspectors discovered staff “had never experienced problems with the boiler before and sometimes it can be too warm”.

But staff morale was poor. The inspection, which took place on Friday September 21, found workers did not know what was going to happen to St George’s. It was also claimed they were having to reapply for their own jobs – and in some cases were not being reappointed. “Budget cuts” meant one ward could not afford to replace a nurse on sick leave.

One member of staff said senior NHS staff were making “excuses” to close the hospital, giving the example of a senior Trust Board member who said the hospital windows would “cost a fortune to be fixed” – even though there had never been problems with them.

The hospital’s two wards were described as “welcoming and clean”, with happy, contented patients who were well looked after.

The toilets, bathrooms and offices were also clean and well cared-for, and the atmosphere was described as “sunny and welcoming”, with a “not unpleasant” smell.

Overall, Havering Link praised the hospital’s staff and services, while noting that “it may well be thought that the site is not fit for the care of the patients”.

To read the full report, visit http://www.haveringlink.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=_VvmRd3rVRE%3d&tabid=1923&mid=4126.