The news that more local health services, including the A&E unit at the Royal Surrey Hospital, are under threat has caused great concern across our area.

Due to underfunding by the Government, local health bosses have already decided to close two local community hospitals at Cranleigh and Milford in a bid to cut costs. Now further cuts look likely.

The local Liberal Democrats are very disappointed at the short-sighted decision to close both Cranleigh and Milford hospitals but we continue to fight against any plans to close A&E services at the Royal Surrey.

I firmly believe that local people deserve better health services, not more cuts. Already too many patients have to endure long waits for treatment. These cuts will make matters even worse. Closing A&E in Guildford could mean emergency cases having to travel a much greater distance through congested roads to reach hospitals outside the local area, putting lives at risk.

We must not allow this to happen!

Hundreds of local people have already given their backing to the campaign to save our local health services, but we need many more to send local health bosses and the Labour Government a strong message. I believe we can save local health services if enough local people make their voices heard.

Myself and the Liberal Democrats are firmly behind Save The Royal Surrey, the coross-community campaign group fighting for our local NHS. 

Please help the campaign by visiting www.savetheroyalsurrey.org.uk and signing the petition.

With best wishes,

Sue Doughty