HASLEMERE'S MP has this week welcomed news that a reduction of services at the Royal Surrey County Hospital, in Guildford, now appears to be off the agenda. Following a meeting with the Surrey Primary Care Trust (PCT) board earlier this week South West Surrey MP Jeremy Hunt and Guildford MP Anne Milton said the move was a "huge leap forward" in the campaign to save the hospital. At the PCT meeting 'Fit for the Future' bosses outlined probable changes to acute services but the plans will see maternity services, paediatrics and a fully working accident and emergency (able to take surgical emergencies), stay at the Royal Surrey. Some of the changes outlined include networking options across Royal Surrey, Ashford and St Peters' and Frimley Park hospitals, much of which is already on going. Mr Hunt and Ms Milton also welcomed PCT plans to provide care in Surrey for people with kidney disease, patients currently needing dialysis have to travel out of the county. The PCT is hoping to consult on their plans at the end of September. After the meeting Mr Hunt said: "Public pressure has made a huge difference, but the ball is not yet in the net. "The future of the Royal Surrey's accident and emergency department looks much safer than a year ago. "But we will not be in the clear yet until we see the consultation options later this month – and look at the small print very very carefully." Ms Milton said: "I am delighted that the campaign to save the Royal Surrey has taken this huge leap forward. "This is a victory for local people and a victory for common sense. "Following public meetings, a rally in Guildford High Street, an overnight candlelit vigil in Parliament Square, a lobby of Parliament and thousands of local people writing in and signing petitions, there is no doubt that health bosses have been forced to rethink their plans and listen to the views of local people. "We cannot be complacent until we see the document for consultation which we are expecting in September. "However, I think everyone across Guildford and Waverley can be very proud of what we have achieved so far. "As ever, I would like to thank everybody, from across the political spectrum, all of whom have played their part in this campaign to save services at the Royal Surrey. "We will continue to watch closely and won't let- up on our campaign until we see the plans on paper but this is a hugely significant move from the PCT." These comments were echoed last week by Haslemere town councillor Robert Knowles. At last Thursday's meeting of Haslemere Town Council's finance and general purposes committee, Mr Knowles told members he had recently attended a Primary Care Trust meeting in Leatherhead. He said during the course of the PCT meeting it had been revealed that there was no intention, at this point in time, to close any acute hospital or accident and emergency department in West Surrey, including the Royal Surrey County Hospital. But Mr Knowles was keen to point out this was still subject to agreement by the PCT board in September.
