West Sussex hospital plans go to expert panel

10:10pm Thursday 4th September 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

Evidence backing opposition to the Fit for the Future health proposals has been submitted to the Government.

West Sussex Primary Care Trust’s controversial plans to cut services in the county, including downgrading St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester and the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath, have been widely criticised by residents and local authorities.

The joint health overview and scrutiny committee, which includes councillors from Brighton and Hove City Council, East Sussex County Council and West Sussex County Council, referred the matter to Health Secretary Alan Johnson as it believes the plans are not in the interests of residents.

It has submitted evidence to support the referral.

Mr Johnson has asked an independent panel of experts, the Independent Reconfiguration Panel, to conduct an initial investigation into the referral before he agrees whether or not a full review is required.

Andrew Barrett-Miles, the joint committee spokesman, said: “Following the detailed scrutiny of the proposals undertaken by the committee, we have urged the Secretary of State to commission a full review of the issues raised in our referral to ensure that our concerns are given the most thorough examination possible.”

The referral and supporting evidence are available on the West Sussex County Council website, www.westsussex.gov.uk Chichester District Council which is also unhappy with the proposals, has decided to apply to the High Court for permission for a judicial review of West Sussex PCT’s decision to make Worthing Hospital the only major general hospital in West Sussex.

Councillors believe the decision was not in the best interest of the local community because of the way officials looked at the information.

Myles Cullen, the leader of Chichester District Council, said: “While we are mindful to avoid incurring unnecessary public expenditure on court proceedings, we feel it is in the interests of our Chichester district community to apply for a judicial review.”