The NHS in Hampshire has now published its proposals for the future of the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester which would involve downgrading its A&E and Maternity Units.

The proposal is that Winchester hospital would continue to provide 24/7 urgent treatment, same-day emergency care service and midwife-led maternity services. 

However, our MP, Steve Brine, has long said that as a fast-growing city he believes A&E services should be maintained as at present plus full consultant-led maternity services on the site. 

I believe the NHS has been less than transparent in what day-to-day differences their proposals would mean and this needs to be vigorously challenged during the consultation process.

Currently we have an MP who has dedicated his time since being elected to speak up for the health needs of Winchester. But at the next general election we shall have a new MP - what voters will want to know well before then is which candidate will best fill Steve's shoes in this important area.

Andrew Beadle,
Milesdown Place,

St Giles Hill,
Winchester

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