Ssultana - a subtle correction to your post - the aircraft are "suspended from normal flying operations" - not grounded. It is a political statement"! Be careful not to give the wrong impression. Some EH101s will be available for "Emergency Operation".
To add to previous information and give Bootneck a response - the Merlin is a significant increase in capability over the Sea King in any role (although its downwash can be a hinderence in SAROPS if not used to it!). Admittably there have been teething problems with its introduction into Service and I for one have always said that you should never fly a Mk 1 aircraft if you can help it! But this aircraft IS a world beater and will prove its worth in the fullness of time. It is worth the £44m (accurate!) unit cost that we paid to develop and build it and the attrition rate is in line with the predicted rate (42 left out of 44 now after 3 years since In Service Date (ISD)). Give it a chance!
