VIDEO: Flying start for Littlehampton’s new hospital fight

HUNDREDS of people have signed a petition reviving the campaign for a new Littlehampton Hospital.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Jun 2014, 06:30 BST
Councillor Mike Northeast, Alan Butcher and Mike Clough, chairman Arun Access Group, signing the petition.Councillor Mike Northeast, Alan Butcher and Mike Clough, chairman Arun Access Group, signing the petition.
Councillor Mike Northeast, Alan Butcher and Mike Clough, chairman Arun Access Group, signing the petition.

In just 90 minutes on Saturday morning, 400 people added their names to the petition, which was launched following a call by Simon Stevens, chief executive of the NHS in England, for a greater role for smaller community hospitals.

People were queueing to show their support as soon as the stall was set up in the pedestrian precinct.

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The non-political petition was started by Labour town and Arun councillor Mike Northeast and former town mayor Rosemary Orpin, one of the original campaigners when the old Littlehampton Hospital was first threatened with closure in the 1980s.

Councillor Mike Northeast, Alan Butcher and Mike Clough, chairman Arun Access Group, signing the petition.Councillor Mike Northeast, Alan Butcher and Mike Clough, chairman Arun Access Group, signing the petition.
Councillor Mike Northeast, Alan Butcher and Mike Clough, chairman Arun Access Group, signing the petition.

Said Mike: “I really didn’t think the strength of feeling was still there in people, but it is.

“People were telling us they want to see the hospital rebuilt because of the growing population, with all the new housing, plus the fact we are a seaside town attracting a large number of visitors.

“It’s ridiculous that in a town this size we have to go ten miles to a minor injuries department or to have minor surgery with an overnight stay.”

The NHS Coastal West Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group said it supported Mr Stevens’ remarks on providing care closer to the people, but there was no need for more hospital beds in the area.

Related topics:NHSEngland