Massive changes! Questions anyone?

Due to the high interest and importance of the enormous changes to our NHS and also losing our local Councils, both district and County, we have Guest speakers coming to address us as to what these changes mean to us personally.

Yes, there are huge changes in the offing. Will they affect you? Almost certainly.

Please send us any specific questions you have in good time before the meeting so that you can put them and they can answer them.

When & Where is the public meeting?

Tuesday, 9th of September 2025, 10 am - 12. 30pm, either in person or via Zoom.

Billingshurst Centre

Roman Way

Billingshurst

England

RH14 9QW

Come a little early and enjoy a complimentary tea/coffee.

Who are our speakers? Why attend?

1. Laura Robertson, NHS Sussex, will update us on the latest NHS news and the government's closure of Healthwatch England, including West Sussex. Hundreds of bodies responsible for overseeing and running parts of the NHS in England will be scrapped. 50% local NHS staff reductions? How will the big changes coming over the next 10 years affect us?

   
   

2. Cllr Mark Baynham, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Horsham District Council (HDC), to update us on the sweeping changes to our local authorities, including the merging of local district councils, including HDC and WSCC County Council, into a much larger Unitary Authority with an elected Mayor and the loss of our local representative voices. Will its offices be sited miles away, Chichester perhaps?

   What will happen to our Parks and Open Spaces? Horsham Park? Warnham Nature Reserve? Southwater Country Park? A new Town Council for Horsham Town? Who will represent the interests of the Horsham district on the new Unitary Authority?

   
   

3. Khalid Ali, MBBS, FRCP, MD, Reader in Geriatrics, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, on the issues and dangers for older people from the prescription medications given on being discharged from hospital.

3. Billingshurst Neighbourhood Warden(s) to tell us what is happening locally 'on the ground'.

   
   

   Yes, there are significant changes on the horizon, and many are concerned that they will not lead to improvements for us locally or our communities.

   
   

   Come along (we'd appreciate you letting us know) or attend online (please request the Zoom joining info) and find out for yourself!

4. Email hdopforum@gmail.com or via our Contact Us on our website