Closing the A&E Department at the Princess Royal is a crazy idea.

We need this service for the ever growing population of the Burgess Hill area.

Recently I twice had to be taken to the department by paramedics. The first was on a Friday evening at 5pm.

The rush-hour traffic paid little attention to flashing lights and sirens.

If I had to travel to Redhill or Brighton with all the hold-ups it could be that I would not be here today.

The next time was at 5am. In spite of the fact the department had casualties from a major road accident arriving for treatment, they did a temporary job on me and then transferred me to Brighton Hospital.

I have nothing but praise for the doctors and nurses at Haywards Heath and long may we have an emergency unit there. Let's remember that money does not cure all ills - it's the service we need.

Please think again, you people on the board. If you have something good that works well, don't change it.

-Derek Souch, Meadow Lane, Burgess Hill