LISTEN AND LEARN FROM THE PEOPLE, CHIEFS TOLD

A MASSIVE 14,000 people marched through the streets of Haywards Heath in protest against the threat to accident and emergency and maternity services at the Princess Royal Hospital.
By The Newsroom
Published 16th Oct 2007, 18:47 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 03:51 BST

Residents in Mid Sussex threw down the gauntlet to the West Sussex Primary Care Trust after services were threatened by the PCT's Fit for the Future consultation, which aims to centralise vital health services at Brighton, resulting in downgrading the PRH.

Almost 70,000 people have signed the petition and 180 local GPs, representing more than 300,000 patients, have spoken out in opposition. The turnout, of around 14,000 residents was confirmed by Sussex Police and represents one of the largest protests against proposed hospital cuts in the area.

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Campaigners and MPs are now calling for the PCT to listen to the overwhelming voice of public and clinical opinion and scrap plans to downgrade the PRH.

Mid Sussex MP Nicholas Soames, in whose constituency the PRH lies, said: "This event has had a magnificent turnout.

"The PCT must listen to the community, who want to support an option D with full accident and emergency and maternity services."

For full story and a page of hospital protest stories, see West Sussex Gazette October 17

Related topics:PeopleHaywards HeathMid SussexResidents