It will be a travesty if Worthing Hospital goes

Holly and Tom Billinghurst, of Vancouver Road, believe it would be a "travesty" to close the hospital, where both their daughters '” Charlotte, two, and Evelyn, 14 months '” were born in traumatic circumstances.

According to Holly, 27, if the hospital hadn't been there for them, their precious daughters might not have survived.

Holly said: "If Worthing Hospital was to close, it would be a travesty. There are so many people that need to have a hospital within reach. What happened to me wasn't a one-off."

When Holly was expecting the couple's first daughter, Charlotte, in 2004, her pregnancy was problematic.

At 30 weeks, she was diagnosed with the potentially fatal condition pre-eclampsia.

Holly said: "Had it not been for Worthing Hospital it would have been awful for us because I was admitted into hospital for a couple of weeks and then was constantly monitored, going back and forth for the next six weeks."

In October, 2004, she went into labour, four-and-a-half weeks before her due date.

The first-time mum's experience was very traumatic '” she was in labour for 52 hours and baby Charlotte became stuck, causing her heartbeat to drop dramatically.

"I was rushed into theatre and given an emergency caesarean.

"Afterwards, I went into shock and experienced all sorts of problems. Thankfully, Charlotte was fine."

Holly and Tom, 25, were full of praise for the treatment they received from the hospital.

Holly said: "They were really fantastic and gave me loads of after care."

"When I was in labour with Charlotte, both Chichester and Brighton hospitals were full and the nearest would have been London."

For more on this story, see the Worthing Herald.

What do you think?

Tell us your views and experiences with Worthing and Southlands hospitals by using the comment feature below, or email [email protected] (this link will open your email program) with your full name and address and a daytime telephone number.

Or write to Worthing Herald, Cannon House, Chatsworth Road, Worthing, BN11 4NA

Although details can be with-held from publication if requested, we do not publish anonymous letters.

Click here to send your letter through the website.