East Surrey MP Peter Ainsworth today welcomed the deal announced in principle between the Surrey Primary Care Trust (PCT) and St Catherine's Hospice to ensure the continuation of local end of life services.

The news follows intense negotiations aimed at ensuring that the gap left by Marie Curie Cancer Care's decision to close its Caterham hospice was properly filled.

St Catherine's has agreed terms in principle with the PCT to take on the majority of the key elements of the existing service.

Peter Ainsworth comments:

"This looks like very good news indeed and, hopefully, it will put an end to the terrible uncertainty which has affected patients and their families, as well as staff, for the last two months. I warmly congratulate local campaigners who have refused to be fobbed off with second best and half-truths and I am certain that the pressure they brought to bear was vital to ensuring this outcome. Local GP's also played a key role. Obviously, we will all be watching closely to see if the new deal lives up to expectations. In particular I hope that existing Marie Curie staff will be invited to join St Catherine's and continue their excellent work. It will also be vital to ensure the continuation of a day care service in the Caterham area.

“I am glad that the PCT seems to have stepped up to the challenge, and I wish St Catherine's well as they extend their service to East Surrey."