THE campaign to save the Royal Surrey County Hospital is gathering momentum with Guildford Borough Council agreeing to contribute towards the cost of a special study into the potential closure and its implications locally. The study will be aimed at government decision makers and leading opinion formers. Lead councillor for Healthy Living, Terence Patrick, explained: "The council is extremely concerned about the threat to services at the Royal Surrey County Hospital. We are acutely aware of the importance of the hospital to the health of our community as well as its importance to the local economy. "This funding will go towards an economic impact study - a vital part of the campaign to save the hospital - to state clearly what the closure would mean for the borough. "The hospital, the council, the University of Surrey and other supporting insitutions have agreed to send the study to government decision-makers and leading opinion formers," Mr Patrick added. In support of the campaign, the council has already written to Patricia Hewitt, the Secretary of State for Health, to ensure NHS funding is provided in a way which accurately reflects the medical needs in each area. The letter also asked her to note the Royal Surrey County Hospital is under review and that the council expresses its grave concern that the quality of medical services will be severely jeopardised should the hospital lose its accident and emergency facilities. Should the future of the hospital come into question, the council has resolved to work in partnership with Waverley and Woking Borough Councils to resist any change which may adversely affect the standard and availability of healthcare services for residents in the area. The Surrey Petition launched by Godalming man Ken Callanan on October 5 to oppose any closure had gained 15,554 signatures by Saturday, including nearly 6,000 received last week alone. Mr Callanan expressed his thanks to all the churches, businesses, GP surgeries and other organisations and individuals who are assisting in the petition's circulation. "This spreading of community accord is quite unique. Such a spontaneous spirit of quiet, but determined unity of purpose is, surely, peaceful people power at it finest," he said. On Saturday, November 18, the Bishop of Guildford, the Right Reverend Christopher Hill, is holding a special service in Guildford Cathedral at 7-30 pm. The vigil will invite people of any faith or belief to attend and the theme encapsulates everyone involved in NHS decision making and everyone feeling concerned about the future of all hospitals in Surrey and elsewhere.