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14,000
march in mass PRH protest
Services are threatened by the PCT's "Fit for the Future" consultation, which aims to centralise vital health services at Brighton, resulting in the downgrading of the PRH. Almost 70,000 people have signed the petition and 180 local GPs, representing over 300,000 patients, have spoken out in opposition.
Mid Sussex MP Nicholas Soames, in whose
constituency the PRH lies, said: "this event has had a magnificent turnout
and enthusiastic support for local hospital services. The PCT must listen to
the community, who want to support an option D with full Accident &
Emergency and consultant-led maternity services" The rally was supported by Dame Vera Lynn, who told the assembled crowd: "we need our hospital. We must have it, and it is essential we fight for it". Rev Lindsay Urwin, the Bishop of Horsham, followed Dame Vera Lynn, saying: "the provision of healthcare matters. Local is best and only local will do"
Dr Keith Hine, a consultant working at the
PRH, told the thousands of protesters: "any reorganisation of services
should result in an improvement of services for the community. 'Fit for the
Future' does not do that, it's a further erosion of services"
Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert said: "we would not have been here if the PCT had been listening to local people. They must now realise they have no public support at all for their proposals. It is time to consider the alternative option of maintaining services. That is what people want"
Charles Hendry, MP for Wealden, said: "this has been a fantastic event and hopefully the PCT have been watching. People expect the health authorities to represent their health needs to the Government and not the Government's financial needs to people in Sussex"
Haywards Heath Councillor Paddy Henry said: "we have witnessed another superb turnout. The campaign, working with the local Councils, will collectively do justice to the cause and fight for an alternative option"
The campaign would like to thank Sussex Police, Mid Sussex District Council, Tim French & the French Group and all the companies who sponsored banners, for all their assistance in ensuring the event was a success.
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Residents
in Mid Sussex have thrown down the gauntlet to the West Sussex Primary Care
Trust over their NHS cuts agenda after 14,000 people marched through the
streets of Haywards Heath in protest against the threat to Accident &
Emergency and maternity services at the Princess Royal Hospital.
The
turnout, of around 14,000 residents was confirmed by Sussex Police officers,
and represents one of the largest protests against proposed hospital cuts in
the area. Campaigners and MPs are now calling for the PCT to listen to the
overwhelming voice of public and clinical opinion and scrap their plans to
downgrade the PRH.
Other
local MPs also addressed the crowd, to show their support for the fight.
Lewes MP Norman Baker spoke at the rally, and gave a message to the health
authorities: "it's our hospital, not yours. Take your hands off the Princess
Royal Hospital"