I had hoped to raise the future of Zachary Merton Hospital directly with the Secretary of State during Health and Social Care Questions today, but unfortunately I was not called by Mr Speaker.
Instead, I have written to him again to ask when residents can expect a decision on my formal request for the closure to be called in for ministerial review.
I first made that request to the former Health Secretary on 2nd March. On 24th April, the Minister for Health acknowledged my letter and confirmed that the matter was under consideration.
More than four months have now passed, and residents are still waiting.
With a new Prime Minister due to take office and a Cabinet reshuffle expected to follow, I have asked whether the Department will make its decision before any ministerial changes take place. This issue should not be allowed to drift or disappear into another round of handovers.
The closure of Zachary Merton remains a source of deep concern across Rustington and the surrounding area. Local people deserve clarity on whether Ministers will intervene and examine the decision-making process properly.
I hope the current Secretary of State remains in post and is able to resolve this matter. Whatever happens in the reshuffle, however, I will continue pressing until residents receive the answer they have been waiting for.
