£12m Arun hospital by 2010

The facility, which could be up and running in two years time, will have a range of services including a minor injuries unit, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, an out of hours GP service, sexual health services, diagnostic services, capacity for mobile MRI and CT diagnostics and a number of inpatient beds to support intermediate care across the county.

The board was asked to support the full revision of the business case with a view to commission a community hospital facility in Littlehampton, subject to clinical sustainability, deliverability and affordability being demonstrated within the business case.

Chief Executive at the PCT John Wilderspin said: "I am delighted the board has chosen to support the Arun Community Hospital facility.

"This decision today demonstrates a commitment by the PCT board to invest in health and wellbeing in Arun and provide primary and community care closer to people's homes."

The newly-formed East Arun Primary and Community Services Task Group, which includes a local GP and local councillors, was set up to present recommendations to the PCT board on services and facilities required to meet primary and community health needs of the population of Littlehampton and surrounding areas.

The group reviewed the original proposals for the Arun Community Hospital and are supporting the development of the new hospital facility.Letters of support have also been received from Littlehampton Town Council and Arun District Council.

Following the decision today, a community hospital forum, made up of clinicians, patients, public will be re-established to help take forward the business case for the new hospital facility.

It is proposed that this group will also work with the PCT to determine the most effective services to be delivered in the facility throughout its lifetime.