Commenting on the decision by the West Sussex Primary Care Trust to delay the publication of the Fit for the Future health consultation Nicholas Soames said; “I naturally regret this further delay which will bring considerable increased anxiety to all who work in the NHS and in particular to the magnificent staff at the Princess Royal Hospital.

“The fact is that for the Primary Care Trust and the Strategic Health Authority the figures do not add up either around patient care or financially. We must not lose a full A&E at the PRH or our maternity services which are vital for an expanding population.”