Businesses back hospitals battle

James Brathwaite said the hospitals were big employers

Business leaders in West Sussex have thrown their weight behind the campaign to fight possible hospital cuts.

MPs and councillors were at a meeting on Monday in Worthing to hear the business case for keeping the services.

A review currently under way could affect St Richard's in Chichester, the Princess Royal at Haywards Heath and Worthing and Southlands Hospitals.

Local Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) are expected to publish formal proposals before April, following the review.

A three-month public consultation will then take place.

"Hospitals are an essential part of the economic infrastructure of an area," said Roy Stannard, chairman of business organisation Worthing First.

It doesn't make sense to invest all this money and then not use it James Brathwaite

"Hospitals create jobs - directly and indirectly.

"Staff who lose jobs will move out of the area. Suppliers who serve the hospitals may well relocate elsewhere."

The SHA, which has been told to save £100m from its annual budget, is reviewing services across Surrey and Sussex.

Campaigners fear this could mean the abolition or amalgamation of units such as accident and emergency and maternity services.

The SHA was originally planning to publish firm proposals in November but postponed it following public opposition.

Monday's meeting heard James Brathwaite, chairman of the South East England Development Agency, criticise the possible cuts.

"The A&E department in Worthing is brand new - it was only build in the last three years," said Mr Braithwaite.

"Along with the obstetrics and gynae ward it used not to exist in Worthing.

"It doesn't make sense to invest all this money and then not use it."

'Uncertainty unsettling'

The SHA has said it wants to bring more care closer to people's homes and, at the same time, ensure the local NHS lives within its means.

"This is not just about hospitals, it is about strengthening community services and making a range of urgent care much more convenient for patients," it says.

"We appreciate that the continuing uncertainty for staff and patients is unsettling but feel that it is most important to have the right proposals for a healthy health service."