Jess Brown-Fuller MP seeks assurances from Trust in response to cath lab closure at St Richard’s Hospital

Following University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust’s decision to relocate the cath lab from St Richard’s in Chichester to Worthing Hospital, Jess Brown-Fuller has written to the Trust Chief Executive, Dr Andy Heeps, to ask for assurances that relocation will not compromise timely access to care for residents.

The Trust has confirmed that relocation will affect approximately 300 patients per year requiring pacemaker procedures. These patients will now be required to travel to Worthing for cath lab care. 

In a letter to the Trust, Jess said:

“I am disappointed with the outcome of this decision. This will have a significant impact on patients who will now be required to travel to Worthing for pacing procedures, and will be especially worrying for those with mobility issues, complex health needs, or limited access to private transport.” 

“Chichester has an elderly and ageing population, many of whom rely heavily on accessible, local services. This relocation risks creating additional barriers to care for some of the most vulnerable residents in our community.” 

Jess raised additional concerns about poor communication with staff throughout the decision-making process, alongside the potential knock-on impacts of the lab’s closure on patient transport and ambulance services. 

Jess has asked the Trust to provide assurances that waiting times for pacemaker procedures and pressures on patient transport services will not increase due to relocation, and that views of staff were properly factored into this decision. Jess also requested the Trust set out what mitigations will be put in place for patients with mobility issues or limited transport options. 

Jess' letter to the Trust Chief Executive