Uckfield Community Hospital Surgical Unit 2025-11-25

Opened the debate

I start by thanking, through you, Madam Deputy Speaker, Mr Speaker for granting me this Adjournment debate. I know that it is unusual to allocate Adjournment debates to members of the shadow Cabinet, so I am grateful. Since July 2024, Uckfield community hospital has been entrusted to me as part of my changed constituency. The hospital faces a formal site manager's removal and uncertainties about its future despite high ratings and caring staff. Local benefactor Mr Arthur Hughes provided land and £1 million in the 1980s, with further support from the League of Friends. However, services have been taken away, leaving the surgical unit mothballed. The uncertainty is causing significant worry among local people who rely on the hospital's services. I visited Uckfield community hospital multiple times where I met Danielle Gearing and saw the full range of out-patient clinics and other service providers like the health visiting team and heart failure nurses. In August 2024, a letter from Dr James Evans asked for equipment used in Uckfield to be transferred to the newly built Sussex Surgical Centre, causing concerns among staff and locals. The integrated care board agreed to a six-month closure of the surgical day unit before Christmas last year, leading to morale issues and a lack of clarity about future plans. I am worried that this is unfair to both the hospital's staff and local residents.

Government Response

Thank you very much indeed, Mims Davies, for your Adjournment debate. The Minister of State for Health and Social Care will reply officially on this matter tomorrow morning at the Health and Social Care questions session. The Minister acknowledges the genuine concern of residents about the future of the local surgery unit at Uckfield Hospital. She highlights the Government's commitment to reducing waiting lists and improving access to healthcare, with a focus on bringing care closer to where people live. The NHS has been investing in community diagnostic centres and surgical hubs to tackle backlogs. The Minister explains that the decision to trial closure of the day surgery unit at Uckfield was based on data indicating that most patients would be treated closer to home by relocating activities to Hastings and Eastbourne hospitals, with an average reduction in travel distance of 10.3 miles per journey. The evaluation showed increased capacity for elective procedures and improved timeliness. The Minister notes the responsibility for delivery, implementation, and funding decisions rests with NHS commissioners, who must consult local health overview committees before substantial changes. The closure only affects the day surgery unit while other services at Uckfield Community Hospital will continue. The opening of a new Sussex surgical centre backed by £40 million investment is expected to provide better care closer to where most patients live. The Minister thanks Mims Davies for raising this important issue and offers continued discussion with her regarding local NHS support.