BREAKING NEWS: A&E looks set to stay at Worthing

ACCIDENT and Emergency services are likely to remain at all three hospitals in West Sussex according to information heard by the county council's joint health overview and scrutiny committee.

Dr Peter Hayward, Consultant in Public Health and member of West Sussex Primary Care Trust's (PCT) clinical reference advisory group (CRAG), told the committee proposal include retaining acute medicine and accident and emergency services at Worthing & Southlands, St Richard's in Chichester and Princess Royal in Haywards Heath.

Committee chairman Peter Griffiths said: "We were pleased to hear that A&E is likely to be retained but we do feel that this message needs to get out to the public.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"People need to know how far local clinicians have developed their plans since the original proposals were launched last year."

It is the committee's job to examine the NHS Fit for the Future proposals put forward by West Sussex and Brighton and Hove City Primary Care Trusts (PCTs).

The information was given out when the committee met on Wednesday, February 6 at County Hall, Chichester, and made public today (Monday, February 11).

Other key issues raised at the meeting included: -

'¢ Lack of information on maternity services and has asked for an urgent update on maternity issues.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

'¢ That the option ultimately chosen can be shown to be financially sustainable.

Wednesday, April 2 will be the final evidence gathering session for the PCT and other NHS trusts to provide any further information, before the committee's final decision is taken.

The PCT meets again on Thursday, February 14.

What do you think?

How much difference was made by campaigners fighting to save our hospitals?

Is the battle over yet?

Share your views.

Comment in the space below or:

Write to: Worthing Herald, Cannon House, Chatsworth Road, Worthing, BN11 1NA.

Contact us online: www.worthingherald.co.uk/contactus.aspx