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Access and
superior performance make the PRH maternity unit the natural choice for
mothers in Central Sussex
In a report released today, the Support the Princess Royal Hospital campaign demonstrate clearly that the Princess Royal Hospital Haywards Heath (PRH) should be the natural choice for mothers-to-be in large areas of Central Sussex.
This assessment is based upon (i) the exemplary performance of the PRH, as reported by the Healthcare Commission, which ranked the PRH (as part of the Brighton & Sussex University Hospital Trust) in the top three maternity units, nationally, and (ii) the demonstrable fact that the PRH is the closest hospital, measured in journey times, to these communities.
Nicholas Soames, MP for Mid Sussex, and Chairman of the Campaign, commented after publication of the HealthCare Commission’s report: “We are very lucky to have such terrific maternity services at the PRH. We must see that they are kept going in the interests of the whole wider community. It is crucial that we do not lose such tremendous expertises and local skills. They are wholly deserving of our support.”
Patrick Shanahan, Treasurer for the Campaign says “ (i) The whole access issue is clearly illustrated in our “access map” . This shows that for all mothers-to–be resident in the green shaded areas, PRH is their closest hospital, and in the amber shaded areas, their second closest hospital (ii) thus, the PRH should be the natural choice for large areas of Crawley and Horsham and surrounding villages. Following reconfiguration in Surrey, we understand the East Surrey Hospital at Redhill is now overstretched. (iii) the PRH also offers the closest facilities for many mothers in the Districts of Lewes and Wealden (i) mothers are not best served by being referred to hospitals which are further afield”
Given this, it is the contention of supporters of the PRH, and the majority of staff, that mothers-to-be should be provided with the facts, and enabled to exercise their freedom of choice , as set out in the Government statement “Maternity Matters” .... for delivering at the PRH.
Patrick Shanahan continued, “There are some 4,000 births annually in the PRH catchment area. It is our objective to increase the numbers of births at the PRH, by raising its profile, for quality of service, ease of access and proximity for so many mothers-to-be, so that its future is assured.
The report can be downloaded
here |
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