Following the visit of the Prime Minister to Peacehaven yesterday Labour ask why there is still no decision from the Government for funding the redevelopment of the Royal Sussex County NHS Hospital.
Planning permission for the project was granted by the council two years ago, and there was a cross-party council motion at the time calling for funds to be released.
Councillor Warren Morgan, Leader of the Labour Group whose ward takes in the hospital area, said: “In the two years since the council granted planning permission and called for the funding to be released, the Government has asked for the bid to be resubmitted no less than twenty times. Despite ministerial visits and Cabinet ministers saying it is “when not if” we are still waiting, and patients are still being treated in wards built before Florence Nightingale started nursing. David Cameron failed to give a decision this week when in the area, and we can only assume that the announcement is being timed to benefit the local Tory MPs at the General Election in 400 days time, not NHS patients.”
Simon Kirby, Member of Parliament for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven says he has spoken again this morning with representatives at the Department of Health to make the case for redevelopment funding for the Royal Sussex County Hospital.
As a decision date on the hospital redevelopment draws closer Mr Kirby says he is making the final push in his long-running campaign. He says this morning he discussed the business case for the funding with the Department of Health and the Treasury, before the application progresses to the remaining stages of the review process.
Mr Kirby said:“My campaign is reaching a crucial period, and I have been working hard to make the case for funding with key decision-makers at the Department of Health and the Treasury; with the outcome still very much in the balance.
“I want to thank my constituents for the support I have received from them on this issue. Success in this campaign will bring overwhelming benefits to the area, and I assure local people that I will not let up until a final decision is made.
“I am grateful to the Prime Minister for visiting Peacehaven yesterday, and for his kind words regarding my work on the RSCH.”
The issue is due to be debated at a full council meeting on Thursday, March 27, when Labour will be again asking for all-party support in calling on the Government to release the funds to redevelop the Eastern Road site.
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