PCT deny bias in selecting Worthing Hospital for centralised services

WEST Sussex Primary Care Trust has denied there has been any bias in downgrading St Richard's Hospital in Chichester, by publishing the areas in which all 15 voting board members live.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Jun 2008, 12:57 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 01:12 BST

A statement from the PCT said: "We would like to reassure people living in Chichester and surrounding areas that the work on deciding on which location to recommend for centralising services was a fair and neutral process.

"It is quite wrong to suggest that West Sussex Primary Care Trust (PCT) has a Worthing bias.

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"Although approximately 280 headquarters employees are based in Worthing, the PCT employs a further 3,000 staff in community hospitals, GP surgeries, local offices, health centres and clinics all over West Sussex - including Chichester and the surrounding area.

"We take very seriously our role as a provider and commissioner of health services for the whole of this county and take great care to ensure that our decision making is based in the best interest of the West Sussex population as a whole.

"The decision on the location of services will be made by the voting members of the PCT Board, not just the non-executive directors.

"It is not the case that the majority of voting board members live in or around the Worthing area."

The 15 voting board members live in the following areas:

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Billingshurst, Henfield, Storrington, Sidlesham, Angmering, Worthing, Findon, Crawley, Petersfield, Haywards Heath, Staines, Arundel, Bognor Regis, Pulborough and Havant.

"The non-executive board members are selected by the Appointments Commission, which is the independent organisation responsible, on behalf of the Secretary of State, for appointing chairs and non-executive directors because of their experience and their range of skills.

"They are charged with ensuring they represent the interests of the entire population of West Sussex '“ not just one area.

"Where they live has no bearing on the decisions they make.

"Deciding on the location to recommend for the centralised services was very difficult.

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"We have two very good hospitals but we feel that the Worthing location provides the best access for the greatest number of people, including those with poorest health outcomes and highest levels of deprivation."

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Related topics:West SussexChichesterGP surgeries