BREAKING NEWS: 'Difficult decision' to choose Worthing Hospital

John Wilderspin, the chief executive of West Sussex Primary Care Trust, said: "The decision on the recommended location has not been taken lightly.

"We have taken account of the views and advice of a wide range of people.

"We are confident that the model of care and the recommended location for centralised services is the best decision for local people now and into the future.

"The location was a difficult decision '“ we are fortunate to have two very good hospitals in Chichester and Worthing, and choosing between them was always going to be hard."

Centralised services

Worthing will become the location for centralised services along the south coast of West Sussex if the recommendation on location is approved by the PCT board next Wednesday (June 4).

The PCT said today (Wednesday, May 28) that a number of factors, including those highlighted by the public during public consultation last year, were taken into consideration when choosing the recommended location.

Issues included access and travel, impact on deprived communities, and the capacity in NHS facilities to accommodate the agreed changes in services.

Mr Wilderspin said: "After careful consideration, a recommendation is going to the PCT board that Worthing should be the location for the services we have agreed to centralise.

"This location provides best access for the greatest number of people including those areas with poorest health outcomes and highest levels of deprivation.

"The recommendation was made after considering a large number of issues and on the basis of which location would serve the best interests of the county as a whole."

Large numbers of documents and pieces of evidence were considered before deciding the model of care and the recommended location.

Click here for links to the PCTs documents, guidelines and information from the Fit for the Future consultation.

Reorganisation

Mr Wilderspin added: "The trusts are already examining how best to develop clinical networks, and looking at how the organisational structure can best support that.

"This is an opportunity to bring together the strengths of both organisations with great potential benefits for patients.

"We welcome the discussions already taking place and we will support the organisations in this process".

The recommendation on the location is being put forward for decision at the board meeting being held on Wednesday, June 4.

At the same meeting, the board will also consider recommendations on the location of the new midwife led maternity units in the county.

Click here for more on the Save Our Hospitals campaign.

More analysis, pictures and stories in the Herald on Thursday, May 29.

What do you think?

How did you do to support the campaign to save Worthing and Southlands hospitals?

What was your reaction when you heard Worthing was recommended as the major general hospital for West Sussex?

Let us know, comment below, email your reaction to [email protected], or write in to Readers' Letters, Cannon House, Chatsworth Road, Worthing, BN11 1NA.

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