Bognor Regis and Littlehampton MP Alison Griffiths has called on the new Health Secretary to urgently decide whether the permanent closure of Zachary Merton Hospital should be reviewed.
The Conservative MP has written to Yvette Cooper, who was appointed Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on 20 July 2026, asking her to give the Rustington hospital case her personal attention.
Mrs Griffiths first submitted a formal request for the closure decision to be called in on 2 March. The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed on 24 April that the matter was under consideration, but the MP said residents had still not received a substantive decision almost five months later.
She said the request had now passed to the third Health Secretary of the year, adding: “The clock cannot simply be reset with each new appointment.”
Mrs Griffiths has asked Ms Cooper to confirm that the call-in request remains active and provide a date for a decision. She is also seeking an assurance that the hospital will not be sold, disposed of or subjected to any other irreversible action while the case is being considered.
She said: “It should not take three Health Secretaries to secure a clear answer.”
The MP said she would continue pressing the Government until residents were given clarity over the future of the hospital and its site.
History of Zachary Merton Hospital
Zachary Merton Hospital has served the Rustington area in several different forms for almost 90 years.
The Glenville Road building was constructed in 1936 and 1937 as one of six convalescent homes provided by the Zachary Merton Trust.
It originally provided 30 beds for mothers and babies, with separate accommodation for toddlers. It later became a maternity hospital and continued in that role until 1979, when it was converted into a community hospital.
The facility subsequently provided intermediate care and rehabilitation for patients who no longer needed to remain in an acute hospital but required further support before returning home.
Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust took responsibility for the site from NHS Property Services on 1 August 2023.
The hospital was temporarily closed at the end of that year after problems with the building, including leaks, flooding and heating failures, raised concerns about the safety of patients and staff.
An independent survey later estimated that around £8 million of essential work would be required to bring the hospital up to an acceptable standard.
Get the latest BREAKING NEWS for the SOUTH on your phone by downloading the V2 RADIO APP today! Read with ease, no annoying pop-up ads.
V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK is offering half-price deals on a wide range of experiences across the South, from meals out at local restaurants to tickets for some of the region’s biggest events.
Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy visit HMS Queen Elizabeth in Portsmouth
A man has died on West Wittering Beach
Police appeal after suspected arson in Bognor Regis
Southampton free school wins approval for permanent home on city centre site
University of Chichester named Green Business of the Year
Taxi fares could be about to increase in Wealden
Positive feedback for children’s care services in Portsmouth
Councillors approve Hailsham homes despite objections
Burglar jailed after targeting three Bognor Regis businesses in one night
Gatwick refuelling workers balloted for strike action in pay dispute
On Air