Opposition to closure of hospital unit

Cllr Norman Buck, district councillor for Buxted and Maresfield, is working to oppose the closure of Beechwood announced last week by the Sussex Partnership Trust.

He is hoping to rally local GPs and others to his cause.

Cllr Buck told the Express: 'Someone I know is a patient there.

'We have been told patients will be transferred to Hastings. How on earth can that happen?

'How will people be able to receive visits from their families?'

Cllr Buck stressed the hospital itself had been bequeathed to the community and largely paid for by townspeople.

He said to allow the transfer to take place patients would be sent home for a period of time.

Although they will receive nursing support, he explained, many needed full-time hospital care.

Buxted GP Dr Clarissa Fabre is also supporting the campaign to keep Beechwood which currently has 20 beds.

She was cynical about any so-called consultation, saying the decision was already a fait accompli.

The Sussex Partnership Trust said staff and resources not needed in hospitals should be transferred to a scheme that helped support people in the community.