HASLEMERE residents needing vital treatment could face a 70 per cent increase in the chance of dying if the Royal Surrey Hospital accident and emergency department was closed, according to new research. The study, published this week by the University of Sheffield's Medical Care Research Unit, found the risk of death rises by one per cent for every six miles that have to be travelled to an accident and emergency unit. If the Royal Surrey County Hospital in Guildford loses its accident and emergency department, and people have to travel to Frimley Park Hospital instead, it would mean a journey of 25.5 miles rather than 15 miles. This would mean an increase in the chance of death from 2.5 per cent to 4.25 per cent – the equivalent of a 70 per cent rise. South West Surrey MP Jeremy Hunt, said: "This research from the University of Sheffield backs up what I have been saying all along – that lives will be at risk if the Royal Surrey's accident department is closed.  "The Primary Care Trust must take into account this new evidence and put the clinical needs of local people first.  "The message of the study is clear – there is a direct link between mortality rates and distance travelled – so we need an assurance now that the PCT will not be reckless with people's lives by closing the local accident and emergency service." In response Surrey Primary Care Trust (PCT) released the following statement: "We have publicly said that in light of the responses we have had to our commissioning intentions, it is highly unlikely that we would be consulting on any accident and emergency or hospital closures in Surrey. "Our consultation will focus on how we can improve services in seven key areas so that they are in line with national guidance." Dr Ruth Milton, director of public health said: "As a trust we have worked hard to set out standards of care based on clinical evidence and Royal College guidance to ensure that have the best possible care and the best chance of recovery. "As part of our 'Fit for the Future' plans we will be consulting on a number of key services including cardiology, renal, maternity, vascular, emergency surgery, children's and stroke services" "The study in the Emergency Medicine Journal was done six years ago (between 1997 and 2001) and since then, record investment and reform in the NHS services, are providing patients with faster access to treatment than ever before. "The treatment of an emergency starts when the ambulance response arrives, and many ambulance staff are trained to assess, diagnose and provide treatment at the scene. "The report suggests that there is good evidence that the care provided in specialist centres also improves outcomes, eg: heart attack and major trauma. "In these cases reasonable confidence can be taken that the benefits of a specialist centre would outweigh any increased travel time. "This evidence supports the Professor Ara Darzi, 'Healthcare for London: A Framework for Action' report that says if a patient is seriously or critically ill, it is in their best interest to go to a specialist centre rather than their local hospital. "We have been openly discussing our progress with 'Creating an NHS Fit for the Future' with our staff, partners and local people and we are committed to sharing any new information, including options for change, and a timescale for consultation as soon as we can." Earlier this week Mr Hunt also welcomed the announcement by Conservative Leader David Cameron, of a campaign to save 29 district general hospitals threatened with closure and cutbacks, including the Royal Surrey County Hospital. Mr Cameron described district hospitals as an absolutely key part of the NHS and went on to condemn plans to axe local maternity and accident and emergency units. He said: "The Government's new health minister, Sir Ara Darzi, has said 'the days of the district general hospital are over'. "That's why I say the Government can expect a bare-knuckle fight with us over the next few weeks and months about saving district general hospitals as a key part of the local NHS." Mr Hunt added: "David Cameron visited the Royal Surrey earlier this year and knows first hand how vital it is for our community. "His weight behind our campaign has had an enormous impact – I just hope and pray the Primary Care Trust are listening in the run up to September's crucial board meeting when the consultation options will be finalised."