Plea for support for Western Sussex Hospitals

The trust, which runs Worthing and Southlands hospitals and St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester, is concerned not enough people are attending a series of public meetings held as part of the consultation.

So far, four meetings have been held, but the turn-out has been described as “disappointing”.

Chief executive Marianne Griffiths said: “We have always had fantastic involvement from our community with thousands of people turning out to demonstrate support for their local hospital a few years ago.

“Although this consultation is not about changes to services, it is a very important proposal for the organisation and for local people.

“If we are to be successful, we need to show that our plans have the support of our community – by people coming to meetings and telling us what they think about our plans.”

As well as attending public meetings, people can sign up to become members of the new Foundation Trust (FT).

It has been 18 months since Worthing and Southlands hospitals merged with St Richard’s.

Having FT status would mean the three hospitals have less central government control, giving them more flexibility.

To achieve FT status, the trust needs to hold a 12-week public consultation and recruit several thousand members of the public to become members of the newly-established trust.

While people have signed up to become members, it is important the public meetings are also supported.

Tom Wye, a former Worthing mayor, is one of those who have put their name forward to become FT members.

He played a leading role in the Keep Worthing and Southlands Hospitals (KWASH) campaign during the PCT’s Fit for the Future downgrading proposals.

Tom said: “It’s ironic the situation Worthing and Southlands is now in is exactly the way us campaigners suggested it should be right at the start of the KWASH campaign – to become merged with St Richard’s – and it’s terrible to think of all the money wasted under the downgrading proposals now the merger has happened.

“I want those who supported the KWASH campaign to keep on showing their support.”

The next public meeting is on Wednesday, November 17, from 6pm to 7.15pm, at the Postgraduate Medical Centre, Park Avenue, Worthing.

An email address has been set up for views about the plans ([email protected]). To become an FT member, collect a form from Worthing or Soutlands hospitals, call 01903 285222, ext 4038, or visit www.westernsussexhospitals.nhs.uk to download a pack – see the link to the top right of this story.