CONCERN is mounting in Haslemere after it emerged the Accident and Emergency Department at St Richard’s Hospital, in Chichester, could be shut completely. The news comes as a double blow to Haslemere as it is just weeks after a potential threat to the Accident and Emergency Department at Royal Surrey County Hospital emerged. South West Surrey MP Jeremy Hunt said: “The people of Haslemere would be facing a potential crisis if St Richards and the Royal Surrey both lost their A&E departments. “This threat is real and imminent. The NHS seems to be about to embark on the double madness of closing both St Richards and Royal Surrey. We must make our voices heard urgently to ensure Haslemere is not left in the lurch when it comes to emergency care.“St. Richard's is a vital part of the emergency mix for Haslemere and has done a brilliant job helping many residents. Unbelievably despite this, we are going to have a fight on our hands if it is to stay that way.”Jeremy is working closely with Andrew Tyrie, MP for Chichester, to ensure the decision made at the end of July does not see St Richard’s downsized.If the hospital was made a local general hospital, it would result in• The full closure of the Accident & Emergency Service;• No emergency Operations• Closure of the Intensive Care Unit;• No Obstetric service - women would have to travel to Worthing or Portsmouth to give birth;• A limited Paediatric service - children would be moved on to other hospitals for their care.Jeremy said: “We want to make sure that St. Richard’s remains a Major Acute Hospital which is able to serve the people of Haslemere and the surrounding area for many generations to come.”To express your views on the St Richard’s proposal, write to the Strategic Health Authority, York House, 18-20 Massetts Road, Horley, Surrey RH6 7DE