Evidence of mass public and medical opposition to plans proposed by the West Sussex Primary Care Trust to downgrade the Princess Royal Hospital was today (Tuesday 30th October) taken to London. Campaigners, clinicians and MPs took part in a bed push through the heart of Westminster before protests outside No 10 Downing Street and the Department of Health.

The focus of the event was the presentation of a 70,000 strong petition, outside the Department of Health, against the downgrading plans, which will form part of the campaign’s response to the Primary Care Trust shortly before the end of the consultation period next month.

A small party then presented letters signed by 180 local GPs to No 10 Downing Street in a display of clinical unity against the plans. The letters, co-ordinated by Newick GP, Dr Herry Ashby, represent the views of GPs who are responsible for the care of around 300,000 patients.

Nicholas Soames said; "Today saw the unveiling in Whitehall of mass opposition from people in West Sussex to the plans to downgrade our hospitals. Over 70,000 people have signed the petition calling for the retention of services at the Princess Royal Hospital and 180 local GPs have signed up in opposition. It is now time for the health authorities to realise that their plans have no public or clinical legitimacy, and to accept the alternatives which would see local services retained."

The campaign is now urging everyone who cares about the future of the PRH to take the opportunity to complete the response form and return it to the PCT’s freepost address. With just a few weeks to go before the consultation closes, campaigners say that personal responses to the health authority are vital in the ongoing fight to preserve services.

A leaflet from the campaign setting out the impact of the proposed downgrading, and a response form to allow residents to formally respond, will soon be landing on almost 80,000 doormats across Mid Sussex and the surrounding area.