MP calls for update on future of Rustington hospital - 'local people deserve clarity'

The hospital, in Glenville Road, was temporarily closed at the end of 2023 due to significant estates issues affecting the condition and safety of the building.

Following the closure, the Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust (SCFT) commissioned an independent survey. The trust said this confirmed that ‘extensive repairs’, estimated at around £8million were required to bring the building ‘up to the standard we expect for both patients and staff’.

The trust added: “Due to financial constraints within the trust and wider system, there is currently no funding available to support this.”

Littlehampton and Bognor Regis MP Alison Griffiths has now written to James Murray – Secretary of State for Health and Social Care – asking for an update on the Government’s commitment to review the decision to permanently close the hospital.

The Department of Health and Social Care had previously said it would consider using statutory powers to 'call in' the closure for ministerial review.

However, in an update shared on Tuesday, July 14, the MP said ‘more than four months have now passed, and residents are still waiting’.

She added: “I had hoped to raise the future of Zachary Merton Hospital directly with the Secretary of State during Health and Social Care Questions today, but unfortunately I was not called by Mr Speaker.

“Instead, I have written to him again to ask when residents can expect a decision on my formal request for the closure to be called in for ministerial review.

“With a new Prime Minister due to take office and a Cabinet reshuffle expected to follow, I have asked whether the Department will make its decision before any ministerial changes take place.

"This issue should not be allowed to drift or disappear into another round of handovers.

“The closure of Zachary Merton remains a source of deep concern across Rustington and the surrounding area.

"Local people deserve clarity on whether Ministers will intervene and examine the decision-making process properly.

“I hope the current Secretary of State remains in post and is able to resolve this matter. Whatever happens in the reshuffle, however, I will continue pressing until residents receive the answer they have been waiting for.”