Residents demand answers over Rustington hospital after packed public meeting
Almost two hundred residents packed out the Woodlands Centre in Rustington for a public meeting called by Alison Griffiths MP, the Member of Parliament for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, to discuss the future of healthcare services following the permanent closure of Zachary Merton Hospital.
The oversubscribed meeting, chaired by Councillor Andy Cooper, chairman of Rustington Parish Council, brought residents face-to-face with senior NHS representatives Siobhan Melia, chief executive of Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, and Amy Galea, chief commissioning officer for Neighbourhoods and Partnerships at NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board.
Serious concerns were raised over how a temporary service closure ultimately became permanent, what the future of the Zachary Merton site should now be, and whether healthcare provision in the area is keeping pace with the needs of a growing and ageing population.
During the meeting, Alison challenged the Trust and ICB on consultation and transparency. She pressed Siobhan and Amy on why residents felt there had been no meaningful opportunity to shape decisions during the period between temporary closure and the subsequent permanent decision, and she sought clarity on how future decisions affecting local healthcare services will be made and communicated.
Questions also focused on community and step-down beds, virtual wards, Home First, healthcare provision for an ageing population, and whether community healthcare provision or future neighbourhood health models could continue to have a place at the site.
The Trust and ICB also committed to providing written responses to questions submitted in advance which could not be answered during the meeting.
Earlier this year, on March 3, Alison formally wrote to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care requesting that the decision be called-in and reviewed, setting out wider concerns raised by residents around consultation, transparency, future service provision, and the long-term future of healthcare at the Zachary Merton site.
Alison Griffiths MP said: “I am grateful to Siobhan Melia and Amy Galea for attending the meeting and engaging directly with residents.
“These conversations are not always easy, but it was important that people had the chance to put their questions directly to those involved in the decisions affecting Zachary Merton.
“I would also like to thank Cllr Andy Cooper for everything he continues to do on this issue and for expertly chairing the evening.
“He has worked tirelessly to ensure local voices are heard throughout this process.
“People did not pack out the hall because they wanted a row. They came because they want answers.
“Many local families still struggle to understand how a temporary closure quietly became a permanent loss of services, and they expect openness, clarity, and accountability.
“This campaign has never simply been about nostalgia for a building. It is about practical access to healthcare close to home. In an area like ours with a large older population, local step-down beds and community healthcare services matter enormously for residents and their families.
“I have raised Zachary Merton consistently, both locally and in Parliament, and my focus remains unchanged. I will keep pressing the NHS for answers, pursuing the Secretary of State review process, and working to secure the best possible long-term outcome for residents and healthcare services at the Zachary Merton site.”
Councillor Andy Cooper, chairman of Rustington Parish Council, said: “Following the public meeting on May 21 regarding the future of Zachary Merton Hospital, I would like to thank Alison Griffiths MP for the pivotal role she has played in bringing residents, NHS representatives, and local stakeholders together to ensure the community’s voice is heard.
“The strength of feeling shown throughout the evening demonstrated just how important Zachary Merton remains to Rustington and the surrounding area.
“Residents wanted honest answers, meaningful engagement, and reassurance that decisions affecting local healthcare provision will not be made without proper transparency and community involvement.
“Rustington Parish Council will continue to work constructively with all parties and press for openness, accountability, and the best possible outcome for local people.”
A full recording of the public meeting has been made available alongside a post-event survey for residents to share their views. Both can be accessed through Alison Griffiths MP’s website.