West Sussex Primary Care Trust (PCT) says its new model, approved last week, would retain accident and emergency departments at all three hospitals in the county – the Princess Royal (PRH) in Haywards Heath, St Richard's in Chichester and Worthing.


But Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert said: "The suggestion that A&E would be retained at all three hospitals sounded great news, and the new model is certainly better than the PCT's original proposals.

But, on reading the small print, there remain grounds for concern.


"It appears that A&E services at either St Richard's or Worthing – whichever does not become the 'specialist hospital' – will still be downgraded, unable to perform acute and trauma surgery and women and children's services. So some patients would have to travel to the other hospital when they do not have to do so now," he said.


For full story see West Sussex Gazette May 14