Another hospital...

Recently, the first floor of the hospital was completely refurbished to accommodate staff from the Primary Care Trust, and soon the lower floor with all the wards and medical staff areas will also be upgraded to a higher standard, although the nursing and patient care has always been of this high standard. I, as treasurer of the League of Friends, have received so many letters of commendation from patients and families with regard to this care.

The NHS, with limited funds, must, therefore, have decided to upgrade Zachary Merton rather than build from scratch an additional hospital in Littlehampton.

Two years ago, the League of Friends spent £33,000 on appliances and comfort items (more than half our total funds), and recently a further £10,000 on new digital televisions, which has left us with very low funds for the future. Donations and fund-raising may be insufficient to sustain possible requirements, now we are to remain operational.

I fully understand the anger of so many in Littlehampton, after the promises made by the NHS, but at no time did Zachary Merton seek to be selected as the only hospital. Indeed, we fully expected to be closed and spent our funds accordingly.

If, however, further protest has no effect on the closure decision, Zachary Merton League of Friends would be happy to receive some portion of the funds presently held by the Littlehampton Hospital League of Friends, if this is permitted by the Charity Commission.

David Beckingham, treasurer, Zachary Merton

League of Friends,

Cleeves Court

Cleeves Way

Rustington