Keep A&E says top adviser

The leading physician is chairing the assessment panel considering 'fit for the future' proposals for the county's healthcare.

His statement will allay fears across West Sussex that some A&E departments could be downgraded as part of the original options put forward by West Sussex Primary Care Trust.

Sir Graeme '“ who will advise the county's primary care trust on options '“ told a recent meeting of the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee that indications seemed to be that existing departments should continue into the future, and should have some kind of medical unit linked to them.

"I think it's unlikely that there will be a diminution of services in any of these areas, and we are talking about bigger and better services in some of the areas," he said.

"I hope that A&E departments, with medical units linked to them, will continue."

For full story see West Sussex Gazette January 16