LETTER: End this threat

I WOULD like to thank the Chichester Observer’s editorial team for raising community awareness to the possible threat posed by the Clinical Commissioning Group to privatise musculoskeletal services – and even naming their preferred bidder, BUPA CHS Ltd, a contract which if it had been agreed and signed would have without doubt seen the closure of A&E services at St Richard’s and Worthing Hospitals.

I was a former committee member of the campaign group to save St Richard’s in 2008 under the chairmanship of Chichester MP, Andrew Tyrie, when a full and thorough impact assessment was made, of the effect that this would have upon the residents of the St Richard’s catchment area which covers an extensive rural area.

It became abundantly clear that the trauma that would be experienced by both patients and relatives, particularly those who live in rural villages without reasonable public transport, trying to visit sick relatives in either Queen Alexandra or Worthing or Brighton Hospitals, would have a detrimental effect on the patients’ wellbeing and recovery.

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In the interest of the dedicated staff who are facing an uncertain future with BUPA backing out, it’s time for the Clinical Commissioning Group to bring the whole sordid affair to an end and explore ways to work more effectively and efficiently with staff.

Mike Hall

Crouch Cross Lane

Boxgrove