News and Events
Zachary Merton Hospital Public Meeting - Thanks and Meeting Summary from the Chairman of the Parish Council, Councillor Andy Cooper
"I would like, on behalf of Rustington Parish Council, to thank everybody who attended, submitted questions, and participated in what was an extremely important and at times emotional discussion for our community.
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge and thank our Member of Parliament, Alison Griffiths, for helping facilitate the meeting and for continuing to raise concerns surrounding Zachary Merton Hospital at a national level. Residents were able to hear directly about the ongoing representations being made to Government, including requests for further review of the decisions affecting the site and future NHS provision in our area.
I would also like to thank the representatives from Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust and associated NHS organisations who attended the meeting and answered questions from residents openly and professionally under what were, at times, challenging circumstances. Regardless of differing views within the room, it is important that engagement continues and that channels of communication remain open.
Most importantly, however, I want to thank the residents of Rustington and the surrounding villages. The turnout this evening demonstrated clearly the depth of feeling that exists within our community about Zachary Merton Hospital, its heritage, and its future. The passion shown came not from hostility, but from genuine concern for healthcare provision, local services, and the future wellbeing of our community.
Throughout the evening, residents raised a number of significant issues and concerns, including:
• The historic importance of Zachary Merton Hospital to local people and concerns over the loss of community healthcare facilities over many years.
• Questions surrounding the condition and maintenance of the site, including how the building was allowed to deteriorate to its current state.
• Concerns regarding any future disposal or redevelopment of the land, particularly around transparency, green space, heritage, infrastructure, and the need for meaningful consultation before any decisions are finalised.
• The role of Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding, and whether funding generated through local development is being adequately used to support healthcare infrastructure in this area.
• The future direction of NHS care, including the move toward “neighbourhood health” and community-based care models, alongside concerns from residents that local facilities, beds, diagnostics, rehabilitation and accessible healthcare provision must not be lost altogether.
NHS representatives stated during the meeting that no final decision has yet been taken regarding the future of the site and committed to ongoing communication and engagement with the community. It was also confirmed that written responses would be provided to questions submitted by residents.
As Chairman of Rustington Parish Council, I made clear that the Parish Council will continue listening carefully to residents and continue pressing for openness, accountability and genuine engagement as discussions move forward.
The Parish Council remains committed to ensuring that the voices of our residents continue to be heard loudly and clearly throughout this process. We are part of this community, we understand the strength of feeling that exists, and we will continue working with residents, neighbouring councils, our MP, and healthcare representatives to help secure the best possible outcome for the future of the site and local healthcare provision.
Finally, I would again like to thank everyone who attended for doing so respectfully, passionately, and constructively. While not every answer given this evening will have satisfied residents, the meeting represented an important opportunity for the community to directly challenge decision-makers and ensure local concerns are firmly on the record.
This conversation is far from over, and Rustington Parish Council will continue to keep residents informed as matters progress."
Councillor Andy Cooper, Chairman of Rustington Parish Council
