Unfortunately I shall be away for the great demonstration event on the 17th but I wish everyone at it the best of luck with influencing the decision - fingers crossed for the weather as well! It is a shame that politics have, in the past, been too much to the fore but now there is an opportunity to join together and try to persuade those who make the final decision that it is our taxes that pay for the Health Service and we are entitled to the local service we need. Traditionally hospitals were built where it was convenient and cheap - i.e. NHS land, whether it was in a convenient place or not. East Surrey was no different. Now that there are more residents in West Sussex needing services than from Surrey at Redhill it seems the ideal time to review local services on a population and needs basis - and, of course accessibility. Reports produced over the years have confirmed that the population growth in Crawley and Horsham would be greater than the Redhill catchment area. I do find it frustrating that we have PRIMARY Care Trusts that dictate to the SECONDARY Care Services not just what provision they will make in the form of services but also buildings. This part of Sussex needs and deserves its own fully funded District General Hospital providing all the services expected of a Secondary Care Service.

Good luck!!