Date: 25th September 2003
Released by: ANDREW TURNER

The Island’s MP Andrew Turner is calling for Islanders help to secure the long term future of Heart Care at King Edward VII hospital in Midhurst. Last minute negotiations with Alan Milburn, then Secretary of State for Health secured a reprieve for the hospital at Easter, but on 15th October Chichester District Council are due to discuss a planning application to create a new hospital alongside the old listed buildings. The plans for the new state-of-the-art building provide even better facilities that those currently available specialising in the treatment of cardio vascular disease, oncology and orthopaedic surgery and opening new neurology centre.

When considering this planning application the Council may take into account the extent to which the hospital is valued right across the region, as well as by the local community.

Andrew Turner said,
“ It is essential that all the hard work already put into saving these excellent facilities does not fall at the final hurdle of gaining planning permission. I know how important this hospital is to Islanders; the original proposal to close it generated one of the largest postbags since my election. Everybody who has written to me before can rest assured that I will make sure their views are made known to Chichester District Council, but if there is anybody else who would like to add to this campaign I would welcome representations which I will be able to add to the Island’s voice against closure of this first class hospital”.

Andrew Turner’s address is 24 The Mall, Carisbrooke Road, Newport PO30 1BW or e-mail on mail@islandmp.com.