A DECISION not to close Milford Hospital has been welcomed by Haslemere MP Jeremy Hunt, who says people power won over the Surrey Primary Care Trust's proposals. Mr Hunt says it is good news for Haslemere Hospital too. Chris Butler, the chief executive of the Primary Care Trust (PCT), confirmed that the services offered at Haslemere are a vital part of the picture. News on the decision not to pursue the previous PCT's 'Option One', which included the closure of Milford Hospital, came in a meeting with Mr Butler. "He also said that access to what the NHS has to offer is a particularly important issue for a more isolated community such as Haslemere," said Mr Hunt "This is an extraordinary decision that shows that people power really has had an impact. "Thousands of letters, e-mails, marches and public meetings have helped persuade the PCT to scrap what was a totally flawed decision by their predecessor body. "Of course we are not out of the woods yet – they will come forward with some new options at the end of the year, and we need to scrutinise them very carefully indeed. But we have won the argument that whatever changes are made, services for the many older people in South West Surrey must be protected at all costs. Mr Hunt continued: "Back in 2005, Guildford and Waverley PCT announced that it would be reviewing the role which hospitals, such as Milford and Haslemere, played in the overall provision of health care services in the area. The PCT drafted a number of proposals, some of which suggested the complete closure of Milford and Haslemere Hospital." In April 2006, the PCT's board finally made a decision to press ahead with 'Option One'. The approved proposal included the controversial closure of Milford Hospital with further beds being axed at Cranleigh. Although Haslemere Hospital appeared to escape the axe, there is still concern over the future of the hospital's Godwin Ward. In June 2006, fears also started to grow over the future of the Royal Surrey County Hospital. Health bosses told Mr Hunt the accident and emergency department, plus the maternity unit, could be under threat. A document produced by the Surrey and Sussex Strategic Health Authority called 'Creating an NHS Fit For The Future' hinted that cuts to vital services at Royal Surrey could be on the cards. Mr Hunt is working closely with Guildford MP Anne Milton to fight any cuts which would have a negative impact on South West Surrey. Surrey Primary Care Trust said in a statement: "Following the publication of the Next Stage review by Lord Ara Darzi, we will recommend to our Guildford and Waverley Programme Board, designed to look into where the best patient care is provided, not to progress with Option One, to close Milford Hospital, as decribed in the previous consultation. "If the Programme Board agrees, then on July 29 we will be asked to approve the recommendation and work on the emerging clinical model, all of which frame the direction for the NHS for the next 10 years."
