Prime Minister David Cameron has written to Simon Kirby MP to inform him that a decision on redevelopment funding for the Royal Sussex County Hospital is expected shortly. He also took the opportunity to raise the efforts of the Kemptown and Peacehaven MP in making the strong case for funding on behalf of his constituents.
The letter follows up Mr Kirby’s question to the Prime Minister in the House of Commons last week, when Mr Cameron stressed the need for the hospital trust to make a solid business case for redevelopment to HM Treasury before funding could be signed off.
In his letter Mr Cameron, said:
“You will understand that it is important that the Trust can demonstrate the scheme’s affordability as part of the review and that there is a clear case for quality improvement in the health and care services for patients. I have been informed that an approval decision is expected shortly.”
The Prime Minister went on to say:
“I know that this is a matter close to your heart and that you have put a great deal of work into representing the views of your constituents in Brighton Kemptown.”
Simon said:
“I am grateful to the Prime Minister for taking the time to follow up on the issue I raised with him at last week’s PMQs. I would also like to thank him for his kind words regarding my campaign on an issue which is enormously important to my constituents.
“It has been a long campaign to ensure that Brighton gets a hospital it deserves, and I am pleased that the end appears to be in sight. As people in the city know, there is an excellent case for redevelopment, and I am confident that the Treasury will make the right decision in reviewing the proposal.”
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley gave formal Department of Health approval for the £420 million plans for the Royal Sussex County Hospital in June 2012.
Locally, concerns have been growing at the delays in the Treasury releasing funds for the development to commence.
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