A FURTHER blow was dealt to anxious staff at King Edward VII Hospital near Midhurst this week when they heard that around 30 jobs could be axed.
Staff were told by the hospital's new chief executive, Brian Atkins, that a final decision will be made in under four weeks.
As the hospital continues to battle against multi-million pound debts, Mr Atkins said the redundancies may be necessary to reduce further cash losses.
At this week's staff briefing, Mr Atkins announced: "I appreciate that this is a difficult period for all concerned but these savings together with future efficiency improvements and increased business are essential to secure a viable future for the hospital."
But a hospital spokesman refused to reveal to The Herald which departments would be hit hardest. On Wednesday, the spokesman said: "We are holding a consultation with the staff who may be affected by the job losses and we will announce the results of that consultation in 30 days' time."
News of the possible job losses follows last week's announcement that the decision on the planning application, on which the future of the hospital hinges, has been deferred until September.
The rescue package for King Edward VII Hospital, put together by a consortium of Capio Healthcare UK, property developers Lincoln Holdings, and diagnostic specialists, Omni Lab, will only go ahead if this planning application to convert the hospital into flats and build a new hospital and housing in its grounds is agreed.
Wildlife campaigners had urged Chichester District Council to order the developers to complete a full environmental assessment at the site before the planning decision is made.
Should the planning application be refused, it is believed the site will be sold for residential development.