A SHOP used by hospital patients and visitors could be forced out by a major catering company.

The move has come as a blow to Worthing Hospitals' League of Friends, who have raised millions to pay for new facilities at the hospital.

Catering giant Granada, which already runs the hospital's restaurant, wants to expand its business.

Plans submitted to Worthing Council include a larger restaurant and kitchen, a coffee bar and up to four shops at the hospital in Lyndhurst Road.

But the scheme, which would cost more than £1 million, has set alarm bells ringing with the League of Friends, which fears it could lose its shop as a result.

It says the shop, which sells a range of food, magazines and gifts, is the League's public face and helps recruit new members and raise revenue.

The League also runs a coffee bar and a trolley service around the wards.

The WRVS has a snack bar at the hospital which could also be threatened by Granada's plans.

League members fear that if Granada gets exclusive rights to shops and catering they would be ousted after 50 years of loyalty and fundraising.

In that time the League has raised £4.5 million to support services at hospitals in the Worthing area.

Hospital staff are also unhappy that the League's shop could go.

They say it offers a cheaper alternative to Granada's restaurant.

The hospital's staff council has launched a petition in support of the League in all wards and departments.

Claire Wright, chairman of Worthing Hospital's staff council, said: "My understanding is that Granada has asked for exclusive rights for catering.

"People here are very upset about this and think it's disloyal after the invaluable help the League has given to the trust over the years."

Alan Randall, trust chief executive, said: "The old catering block looks very tatty and is a bit embarrassing, and Granada wants to put big money into new facilities.

"We are very keen to work with Granada and the voluntary organisations to find a win-win situation. Things will change but we don't yet know how."

Katie Watt, the League's secretary, said: "We don't know whether this will be the end of our shop but it doesn't look as if Granada wants any competition."

John Bennett, managing director of Granada Health Care Services, says there is a chance the league could keep its shop, but not in its current guise.

He said: WE are still looking at different options."

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