West Sussex Primary Care Trust announced this week that they would be launching their consultation exercise shortly, after they revealed three possible options for the future of hospital care in West Sussex.

'We are pleased that two of the three options are in favour of keeping St. Richard's Hospital as a Major General Hospital. However, we have a long way to go to ensure that this happens,' said Cllr Myles Cullen, Leader of Chichester District Council.

'We still maintain that West Sussex needs two major general hospitals – and our research illustrates this. The PCT has appeared not to accept our research, despite all of the evidence to the contrary. This places District Councils in an impossible position. The proposals appear to have been drafted on the basis of theoretical models favouring mega hospitals, rather than the practicalities of living and working in a largely rural county.

'This whole process has already created stress and anxiety, not only for local residents who are concerned that their health provision is going to be cut, but also for the dedicated staff working at the hospitals at risk. We hope that the PCT recognises this; that it listens to the residents of the Chichester District; and, ensures that the consultation process runs smoothly, without any further delays.'

Chichester District Council carried out its own research in 2006 to show the impact on the community if services were to be cut from St. Richard's Hospital. The results were frightening and indicated the devastating effect the loss of services would have.

'It is vital that sufficient consideration is given to the rural nature of the area; transport issues; the impact of tourists in the summer; the intended substantial increase in the number of homes over the next 20 years; and, the needs of the ageing population. We will see if the PCT has listened to our research when we come to examine their evidence,' continued Myles.

'We will now be working closely with our partners and consultants to examine critically the evidence put forward by the PCT.'

Andrew Smith, Leader of the Opposition, went on to stress the other factors that the District Council feel the Primary Care Trust should pay attention to,

'It is also inappropriate to consider service provision at St. Richard's Hospital in isolation without considering the implications for other health care providers such as GPs.

'We highlighted that front line staff such as community nurses need to been listened to regarding the service provision that would result from any proposed changes,' continued Andrew.

'Due to all of these reasons we now need residents to ensure that they have their say and that they join us in fighting for their local hospital.'

The Council now wants everyone to get behind the St. Richard's Campaign.

'We want local people to continue to fight for St. Richard's Hospital, their local hospital, and make their voice heard. This could involve attending public meetings; writing to the PCT with your views – giving examples of real life experiences that demonstrate how important your local hospital means to you; joining the St. Richard's campaign; and, supporting the District Council in any consultation events it will organise. We need to remind the West Sussex PCT that we will not back down and that we will do everything in our power to save our local hospital,' said Myles.

---