Deal MP Charlie Elphicke has launched a campaign to safeguard the future of Deal Hospital – and he wants your help.

He is sending out a survey to every household in Deal and Walmer to seek views on what current services are important and what other services residents would like to see provided from the hospital.

Mr Elphicke has also planned a public meeting for Friday, August 30, at 7pm, at Deal Town Hall.

The MP said: “Local doctors will attend to consider the survey results and ensure local views on the future of the hospital are heard.

“At Saturday’s hospital fete I heard from many people how concerned they are about the future of Deal Hospital.

“The Friends of Deal Hospital were particularly concerned about the lack of certainty about what is going on.

“I share these concerns. For me, this is not just about saving our much-loved hospital, it’s about whether more locally based health services can be provided here.

“Only if our local health chiefs know how much we care – and the services we want to see – will we be able to secure the future.

“We need to act together to get the best for Deal.

“I hope everyone will take the time to fill in and return the survey.”

* For full story and reaction from Maureen Bane, president of the League of Friends, see the East Kent Mercury, August 8.