THE campaign to save the Royal Hospital Haslar, Gosport, has spread across the Atlantic Ocean.

Florida resident Judith Zappi is joining thousands of borough residents in fighting to prevent the closure of the hospital.

Judith, of Ormond Beach, was staying with friends in Gosport when she broke her ankle.

Now she has written to Gosport councillor Peter Edgar, who spearheads the Save Haslar campaign, praising the treatment she received at Haslar and adding her voice to the fight.

She was driven immediately to Haslar by her friends and stressed she received excellent and courteous treatment.

She commented: "I was first greeted by a friendly receptionist and evaluated by a busy nurse. I was told it would be a two-hour wait.

"Because it was a bank holiday, there were many emergencies and the waiting room was full as ambulances continued to roll in.

"I couldn't help but wonder where all these people would have to go, or how many hours longer they would have to wait, if it was not for Haslar. "I heard that the hospital in Portsmouth was full and was not taking more patients. This is a serious situation.

"When I was taken in I was evaluated, X-rayed, a cast was put on, crutches provided and an appointment was made for the next morning to see the doctor in fractures.

"On Tuesday morning when I arrived I was greeted by a very cheerful receptionist and taken to see the doctor, who, after considering my travel plans, very efficiently and patiently gave me his advice.

"I was then directed to the plaster room where the medic carefully explained the procedure and put my plaster cast on.

"I received wonderful care at Royal Hospital Haslar. The hospital provides much needed medical services to the community. I can understand the anxiety felt by residents of Gosport at the thought of losing their much-needed hospital."

Mr Edgar said: "Our campaign now stretches across the world.

"Haslar is not just a hospital for Gosport people. It serves a very important regional role which is emphasised by this case."

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