THE recommendation for Worthing to become the Major General Hospital (MGH) was rubber-stamped today (Wednesday, June 4) – much to the delight of campaigners.
Keep Worthing and Southlands Hospitals (KWASH) campaigners boarded the Herald battle bus to Copthorne, where members of West Sussex Primary Care Trust (PCT) met to discuss the recommendation made last week for Worthing to be the MGH.
It was given the seal of approval by 14 board members after a lengthy discussion, but was met with outbursts from supporters of St Richard's Hospital in Chichester, which will now be downgraded.
Best optionJohn Wilderspin, chairman of the PCT, said Worthing was "the best option for the county."
He said Worthing provided the "best access for the greatest numbers of people, including those areas with the poorest health outcomes and the highest levels of deprivation."
But he also recognised the decision would now be subject to close review by the members of the West Sussex Joint Health Overview and Scruitiny committee.- and the final decision would be made on July 10.
TransformationThe full transformation of Worthing Hospital could take between three and five years.
The hospital will undergo physical changes to help it cope with the growing numbers of patients it will be dealing with.
Worthing will retain a full A&E, paediactrics, emergency surgery services, consultant-led maternity services and would also be the home of a separate midwife-led unit.
According to the PCT, there will be a further £6million invested in the Ambulance Service, in terms of new vehicles and more staff.
CampaignersTom Wye, chairman of the KWASH campaign said: "I'm delighted for the people of Worthing and the WASH catchment area.
"This is the final hurdle for the KWASH campaign and we can't wait to get that rubber stamp of approval.
"There's nothing else we can do now, it's out of our hands."
Campaigners to save St Richard's have now vowed to start judicial review proceedings.
Click here for more on the Save Our Hospitals campaign.-------------------------------------
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