Jess Brown-Fuller MP ‘deeply disappointed’ in decision to close St Richard’s cardiac cath lab

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Sussex ICB have confirmed that the cardiac catheter lab at St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester will be relocated to Worthing Hospital.

The lab was closed in January 2025 due to a failure of the ventilation system and has since operated under a temporary arrangement using the hospital’s Interventional Radiology Suite. 

Jess Brown-Fuller previously wrote to the Trust in September 2025 to raise serious concerns about a permanent closure of the cath lab. 

Following the Trust’s announcement that the service will be relocated to Worthing, Jess Brown-Fuller said: 

“I am deeply disappointed that University Hospitals Sussex has decided to press ahead with the relocation of the St Richard’s Cath Lab to Worthing Hospital. 

“I have sought assurances from the Trust that this will not affect the status of St Richard’s as a District General Hospital, and that the majority of cardiology care will remain onsite. There will be no change to existing emergency pathways.  

“I am seeking assurances that staff currently working in the Cath Lab will have their roles protected. 

“St Richard’s is a hugely valued part of our community, and I am determined to ensure it remains a cornerstone of our local healthcare system. Recent investment in the Hospital, such as the new Same-Day Emergency Care Unit and the creation of a state-of-the-art Stroke Unit, is welcome and will reassure local residents that St Richard’s remains a key part of the University Hospitals Sussex family and investment in the Hospital will continue over their five-year plan.   

“I will continue to engage with the Trust to make sure that appropriate measures relating to this decision, such as travel mitigations for the vulnerable, are now put in place.” 

You can find further information about the closure of the lab at St Richard’s here. 

Jess outside St Richard's