Lib Dem Leader calls for rethink on Royal Surrey

10.30.55am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 5th Apr 2007

Ming Campbell Supports the campaign to Save the RSCH

After visiting the A & E department, and meeting key staff at the Royal Surrey, Sir Menzies Campbell, Leader of the Liberal Democrats has given strong support to the campaign to save the hospital.

Menzies Campbell was invited to visit the hospital by local Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson Sue Doughty who accompanied him on the visit. He said "People expect and deserve good local health services and want reassurance that there are adequate emergency services nearby.

"Closing the local Accident and Emergency Service at the Royal Surrey is unacceptable. Shutting the unit could jeopardise the lives of local residents and could also impact on other services provided by the hospital.

"The people of Guildford and South Surrey deserve a fully functioning hospital that will look after them in an emergency.

"As the Prime Minister leaves office he is leaving a legacy that includes dentistry deserts, vital services being cut and junior doctors up in arms."

Sue Doughty added "This visit is key to our campaign to keep the hospital open. Sir Menzies has taken a close interest in the case and this has provided the opportunity to show him how important this hospital is, not only locally but nationally."

At the hospital Sir Menzies met Deputy Chief Executive Sue Lewis, Chris Coates, a leading consultant and staff and patients in A & E. He then met members of the Save the Royal Surrey Campaign Team.

A former champion athlete Sir Menzies was keen to learn more about the wide range of accidents and injuries which bring young people through the doors of the hospital and which make a local hospital so important to the community.