NEWS RELEASES
Health services in north east of West Sussex
13 February 2008
THIS week Horsham District Council is reiterating its position on the proposed review of health services in the north east of West Sussex.
Tom Crowley, Chief Executive of the Council, has written to John Wilderspin, Chief Executive of West Sussex Primary Care Trust, and asked him to ensure that a number of points are considered when this matter is debated on 14 February.
The letter follows the Council’s meeting with Professor Sir Graeme Catto on 9 January when the same issues were pressed.
Sir Graeme is President of the General Medical Council and independent chair of West Sussex Primary Care Trust’s Options Assessment Panel.
Mr Crowley says in his letter:
“We welcome the review of health services in the north east of the county and we are pleased that Sir Graeme has agreed to lead the review.
“His expertise, experience and objectivity make him an ideal choice.
“The terms of reference are considered to be comprehensive and broad enough to dispel our earlier concerns that the possibility of a new hospital to serve the needs of north east West Sussex and south east Surrey would be ruled out at the start.
“We do not accept that Sir Graeme’s conclusion on ‘Option 9’ means that the case is closed.
“The Fit for the Future review and Sir Graeme’s subsequent work did not consider how a new hospital would measure up to the “hurdle” criteria if East Surrey Hospital were to be downgraded (as previously recommended by Peter Bagnall).
“We believe this scenario must be fully explored.
“We need to be reassured at the outset that the review will include a comprehensive analysis of patients’ needs; will be strategic and long term in its vision; will take account of the major planned and anticipated population growth in this area in the next twenty years; and will not rule out any options.
“Following the Board’s decision, I would appreciate confirmation that the review will address these points.
“I would also be grateful if you could let me have early sight of the timetable and programme for the review including how and when the local authorities and community representatives will be involved.”
Ends
CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk