Just such an exercise was conducted by Sir Peter Bagnall six years ago.

It recommended a new hospital for the people of Horsham and Crawley – a recommendation rejected out of hand by the Government.

I welcome this new review and hope that, taking into consideration the thousands of new houses now planned for West Sussex, its chair, Sir Graeme Catto, may come to the same conclusion.

Sir Graeme was tasked by West Sussex PCT with further investigating the options excluded from the Fit for the Future consultation – options that nonetheless received support from local people and elected representatives.

During his analysis he recognised that Fit for the Future had focused on the south of West Sussex and Central Sussex. He has therefore recommended a full review for our part of the county.

Stop anyone shopping or going about their business in Horsham and Crawley and they will tell you that we need a new hospital.

And that's why I have written to West Sussex PCT stressing that it must look at the option of new acute facilities – whether they be at Pease Pottage or another suitable site.

We must make sure that Sir Graeme is aware of the experiences of you the patients. Most days I receive letters from local people telling me of their struggle to access services at East Surrey and Brighton hospitals and in the case of East Surrey, their shock at experiencing a hospital struggling and failing to cope with demand.

Just a glance at a handful of these letters makes the case for a new hospital completely compelling and I'm glad to say, the option has the backing of Horsham District Council, Crawley Borough Council and West Sussex County Council.

We are all urging Sir Graeme to speak to as many local people as possible – to hear their stories and to listen to what they want for the future of healthcare in their area.

More information about the process will be made public in coming weeks but I for one will be getting as involved as I can.

Once again I'll be presenting my arguments for a new hospital for the people of Horsham and Crawley – I don't care how many times I have to do it, as long as we are ultimately successful.