The Herald has heard in advance of West Sussex Primary Care Trust's press briefing at 9am today (Wednesday, May 28), when the official announcement will be made.

Worthing West MP Peter Bottomley, speaking for the Keep Worthing and Southlands Hospital campaign, said: "Thank God.

"We welcome this recommendation if the choice had to be made.

"We expect the greatest joint working with the dedicated clinical staff at Chichester's St Richard's Hospital.

"It is important to remember that any downgrading at St. Richard's is no good for Sussex people and we will work closely with St Richard's."

Mr Bottomley added: "We can believe it was a difficult decision and very close.

"That means that every part of the campaign effort has mattered.

"As one hospital chief executive said last week, there must be no triumphalism, and no grieving."

Keep an eye on this website for more details once the PCT briefing is underway.

This recommendation will be discussed and rubber-stamped by the PCT at its meeting in Copthorne on Wednesday, June 4.

More analysis, pictures and stories in the Herald on Thursday, May 29.

What do you think?

How did you do to support the campaign to save Worthing and Southlands hospitals?

What was your reaction when you heard Worthing was recommended as the major general hospital for West Sussex?

Let us know, comment below, email your reaction to sarah.booker@worthingherald.co.uk, or write in to Readers' Letters, Cannon House, Chatsworth Road, Worthing, BN11 1NA.


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