New Hospital Confirmed

The decision to back the 6.3m scheme was taken on Thursday by board members of the Adur, Arun and Worthing Primary Care Trust.

Two months' public consultation on the project now begins and is likely to reveal once more the contrasting emotions in the two communities, with Littlehamp-ton campaigners delighted the hospital will be built in their town, while Rustington supporters of Zachary Merton Hospital are disappointed that it is to close.

Trust officials, however, are stressing the greater benefits for the whole area of not just gaining a new 44-bed hospital, but also the development of extra care in the community services. Altogether, an estimated extra 544 people a year will be treated.

Steve Phoenix, trust chief executive, described the proposals as "a very exciting development in health care for local people".

He added: "The existing facilities are outdated and cannot possibly offer patients the best environment in which to receive their care.

"The location of the hospital in Littlehampton is significant, because it means the facility can be linked to the existing health centre, offering services under one roof. This, in turn, will make it easier to attract key new members of staff to the NHS."

A series of public meetings will be held by Worthing Community Health Council, which will also hold talks with town and parish councils. And Arun's social scrutiny committee will examine the plans closely, on behalf of West Sussex County Council.

Final approval of the project lies with a higher tier of the NHS, the Strategic Health Authority, but some informal indication of satisfaction has already been given. Completion of the new hospital is expected in 2006-07, although some services could be in place by late 2004-05.