THE future of Haslemere Hospital could be back under the microscope less than two years after it won its battle against closure.

Local fears have been raised about the long-term viability of the hospital by MP Virginia Bottomley following Òa number of rumours about the crucial issueÓ.

This week David Little, director of workforce, organisational development and communications for Guildford and Waverley NHS Primary Care Trust, which took over from its predecessor organisation West Surrey Health Authority, confirmed in a statement that it was Òconsidering its policy on locality care centresÓ.

Haslemere Community Hospital was saved from closure following a long, hard fight to retain its 30 beds in 2000. More than 500 letters, 300 completed questionnaires, together with a bed push and march down Haslemere High Street organised by the hospitalÕs League of Friends in conjunction with Haslemere Town Council, were involved in the fight to keep the hospital open.

Around 2,000 residents took part in the protest which was followed up by petition signed by nearly 13,000 and delivered to 10 Downing Street.

The beds were reprieved but it was decided to look towards a new ten-year plan to develop care-in-the-home services for 70 per cent of patients in the region, before reducing hospital beds.

It was also decided that there would be no reduction in community beds in until 2004.

Mr Little said that the former WSHA Òhad recognised the desirability of a locality care centre for the people of GodalmingÓ.

But it is that and possible plans to provide a facility in the centre of Godalming that is believed by some to put Haslemere HospitalÕs community beds under renewed threat.

While not making any mention of the future of the Haslemere beds, Mr Little said the PCT Òis particularly keen to improve minor casualty servicesÓ.

He added: ÒHaslemere Hospital provides a wide range of diagnostic facilities and an important and well-used minor injuries unit.Ó

Jean Mansley a Waverley councillor and a non-executive director of PCT, who was the former chairman of South West Surrey Community Health Council, said that ÒHaslemere Hospital fulfils a vital role in providing much needed health care locally in a pleasant, caring environment. It is a well used and much loved hospitalÓ.

Local people, said Mrs Mansley, Òhave fought battles in the past to keep it, and we must all strive to see it survives in these times of endless change in the NHS.

ÒIt has great potential for the future with investment offered by the Òmodernising agendaÓ to provide an even wider range of services for our local people.Ó

Last week Mrs Bottomley, speaking in the House of Commons before the summer recess, asked health ministers to give assurances that the future of both Haslemere and Farnham hospitalsÕ Òis secureÓ.

She said: ÒThere have been a number of rumours around the Haslemere community about this crucial issue. Haslemere has the largest elderly population in Surrey.

ÒVery many older residents live alone and they must be completely confident about their community hospital.

ÒWith desperate problems facing the NHS it is obvious that we are dependent on the vital services offered there. We need to increase health care provision to cope with rising local demand,Ó Mrs Bottomley said.

Speaking on the problems of care homes in the district, she said: ÒIt is a scandal that care homes are finding it almost impossible to manage. These difficulties make the need for Haslemere Hospital all the more pressing.Ó