Support the Princess Royal Hospital




Home >> Campaign news >> The threat to the PRH >> Consultation details >> What the clinicians say >> Help deliver the leaflet >> Forthcoming events >> Past events >> Send us your stories >> Online petition >> Printable petition >> Photo gallery >> Supporters >> Contact us >>	Fighting fund launched for Support the PRH campaign 6 August 2007 Campaigners seeking to maintain A&E and maternity services at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath have launched a new fighting fund in a bid to step up efforts to save local health services threatened by the Primary Care Trust’s ongoing consultation. The fundraising appeal is backed by the four local MPs who are leading the campaign, Nicholas Soames, Nick Herbert, Norman Baker and Charles Hendry. Campaign organisers say that the fund will be used to prepare a detailed case to respond to the Primary Care Trust, using the help of a professional health economist, which will cost tens of thousands of pounds. Campaign material will also be distributed to every local household, including posters and a response form, which can be sent to the PCT. The MPs, who have all backed the fund personally, are calling on the whole community to support their hospital by displaying posters and contributing to the appeal. Every resident is asked to give at least £1 towards the fund, and local businesses are being asked to contribute £1 for every employee. The campaign is planning a programme of fund raising events, and local community organisations will be encouraged to hold their own fund raising activities, such as sponsored swims and coffee mornings. Organisers will also be writing to larger local firms, requesting sponsorship for campaign publicity. Residents who are able to contribute to the fighting fund can do so by: Sending their donation (cheques made payable to “Support the PRH campaign”) to Support the Princess Royal Hospital, 5 Hazelgrove Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 3PH Making an over the counter deposit, or internet transfer to Support the PRH Campaign, Lloyds TSB, Haywards Heath. Sort code 30-18-30 Account number 02094728 Speaking today, Norman Baker, MP for Lewes said: "It's now or never - we have only 14 weeks left to put our case to the PCT, and we need everyone's support. If every household and business puts in at least pound, we will really be able to take the fight to the Trust" Nicholas Soames, MP for Mid Sussex said: "We must make the strongest possible case to the Primary Care Trust and show that retention of Maternity and A&E services is a viable option. There's no doubt that the Trust is on the back foot, but we need the resources to step up campaigning and ensure that the PRH stays in the fight” Nick Herbert, MP for Arundel & South Downs added: "Frankly, this is a call to arms. We must step up the pressure and that means funds. I'd like to see as many posters and car stickers for the PRH as I see for the other hospitals in West Sussex. Every pound will add strength to the case for our local hospital, so please help" The campaign has pledged that the fighting fund will be publicly audited, and any funds remaining at the end of the campaign will be divided equally between the Sussex Air Ambulance and St. Peters & St. James Hospice.