Hospital still shut a year after temporary closure

An NHS trust has been accused of "hiding behind a cloak of confidentiality" for failing to provide updates on a West Sussex hospital it temporarily closed a year ago.

The Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust announced in November 2023 that the Zachary Merton Hospital, in Rustington, would close temporarily after it found water leaks, damaged ceilings and issues with the heating system.

One year later and a spokesperson for the trust says no decision has been made on the hospital's future, but that patient safety and quality care are its main priorities.

James Walsh, the MP for Littlehampton East, has described the situation as "outrageous", the Local Democracy Reporting Service reports.

“My reading of that situation is that we are being softened up," said Mr Walsh. "That this is going to cost too much and they can’t afford to do it, and they will therefore bring forward proposals to close Zachary Merton Hospital.

“That is very clearly on the cards. But they won’t say so. They are hiding behind a cloak of confidentiality.”

A spokesperson for the NHS trust said: "Since the hospital’s temporary closure, we’ve commissioned an independent condition survey which has found substantial works are required to bring the hospital to the right standard for our patients and staff, which also requires significant financial investment.

“Given the level of investment required, it’s important that we work closely with all our partners, so any funding supports patients in ways that are sustainable and fit for the future.”

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