"BRILLIANT" -MP WELCOMES DECISION TO RETAIN FULL MATERNITY SERVICES AT EASTBOURNE DGH

Lib Dem MP Norman Baker, whose constituency covers Seaford and Polegate, has given a huge welcome to the decision by Health Secretary Alan Johnson to reject plans by the local Primary care Trust to reduce dramatically maternity services at the Eastbourne DGH.

Mr Johnson, in a letter sent to the Lewes MP on Wednesday evening, wrote that the PCT "have not made a clear case for safer and more sustainable services for the people of East Sussex and that the proposals reduce accessibility compared with present provision." He was therefore rejecting the proposals to concentrate services at Hastings, as recommended by the Independent Reconfiguration Panel.

Norman Baker, who was the first MP to give evidence to the Panel, says: "This is a brilliant decision and a major victory for all of us who have campaigned so strongly to retain the full range of services at the Eastbourne DGH. It is particularly good news for my constituents in Seaford, Polegate and Alfriston, who were facing the prospect of a long trek to Hastings, or one to the already overwhelmed Brighton hospital.

"Well done Alan Johnson. It is good to see there is at least one Minister who is listening to the public."