Hospitals merger 'would improve things'

This good news tonic was dispensed at a meeting of the West Sussex health overview and scrutiny committee on Monday when members heard that the financial strength of a major new foundation trust would enable upgrades rather than a standstill.

It also emerged that tens of millions could potentially be saved as a result of a disappearing need to send West Sussex patients for treatment at hospitals outside the county.

Andrew Liles, the chief executive of St Richard's Hospital, said: "Far from downgrading, we are finding examples of what services can be upgraded by having a bigger catchment population."

A large acute surgical team supporting both hospitals would mean the retention of emergency surgery at both, keeping full accident and emergency provision '“ a change from the Fit For The Future position.

For full details see West Sussex Gazette October 22