Let's hear plans for hospital's future

IT WAS good to hear by phone today that there is no truth in the rumour of a possible closure of St Richard's Hospital in 2013, and written confirmation is awaited.

It is to be hoped that the trust will soon make clear proposals for the medium- and long-term future of the hospital, in which areas of clinical expertise more consultants may be needed (and in which areas a lesser number of consultants are foreseen), as well as reassurance that the Accident and Emergency department will continue to play its needful role in the hospital.

It would also be instructive to learn the trust’s attitude to the possible compulsory registration of all health care assistants, so that a proper qualification after training for all involved with patient care can help to make all ward staff in every hospital professionally accountable.

David and Janet Tregear,

Henty Gardens, Chichester