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, which will state clearly what the closure would mean for the borough. "The hospital, the council, the University of Surrey and other institutions 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 that accurately reflects the medical needs in each area. The letter also asked her to note that 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 that might 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 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 were helping to circulate the petition. "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 its finest," he said.
