HL Deb 13 November 2000 vol 619 cc2-3WA
Lord Dholakia

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will advise the Central Sussex Partnership Board to take public opinion in mid-Sussex into account when it considers whether to move trauma and emergency surgical services away from the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath. [HLA544]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

The Central Sussex Partnership Project Board issued a discussion documentModern Hospital Services for Central Sussex—A Challenge for Us All on 21 August 2000. The purpose of this document was to seek the views of local residents and professionals on three possible frameworks for acute services. Each framework involved the Princess Royal Hospital and the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

Written comments on the discussion document were requested by 13th October and the board is refining the options in light of comments received. The needs and safety of patients in Haywards Heath is one of its key considerations. If any significant changes to services are proposed these will be subject to formal public consultation before final decisions are made.