“We have a duty to ensure any decision about our clinical services, especially one involving significant public investment, results in the safest, most effective and sustainable care for our patients,” she added.
“Another option is to relocate the pacing service to our two modern cath labs in Worthing which have spare capacity.”
Prof Urch said this could improve overall service, and out-of-hours cover for cardiac patients, as the St Richard’s cath lab is open three days a week and does not provide an out-of-hours service.
Jess Brown-Fuller, MP for Chichester, backs the petition, saying if the closure went ahead, it would “undermine the hospital’s ability to deliver comprehensive care”.