The service model proposed by clinicians and backed by Sir Graeme Catto, which would keep A&E services in all three hospitals (St Richards Hospital, Princess Royal Hospital and Worthing Hospital), has been recommended to the PCT Board as the preferred model of hospital care for people in West Sussex.

John Wilderspin, Chief Executive of West Sussex Primary Care Trust said: "The recommended model proposed by local clinicians and backed by Sir Graeme Catto will ensure that the majority of people can still go to their local A&E apart from those needing really specialist care who will be better supported in a hospital with more specialist services".

"The recommended model has the support of the local NHS and has been designed with the public's views in mind. If this model is adopted by the PCT Board next week it will ensure that health services remain local where possible and are only centralised where the benefits for patients are clear."

The model for maternity care will mean that larger numbers of doctors can practice in one team, increasing the availability of consultants and other specialists for higher risk births. At the same time, introducing Midwife led Units into the county keeping services as local as possible and extending choice for low risk mothers.

Alongside these changes in hospital based services, West Sussex PCT has promised that more services will be delivered in the community and closer to people's homes and there will be increased investment in the ambulance service.

"95% of health services are provided outside hospitals, and further development in general practice and community services will further improve local access to high quality services."

John continued: "These changes to health services will take up to 3-5 years and will only be implemented once safe alternatives are in place. Once the board has agreed which model to adopt, we will then move in June to decide the location for centralised services and the location of the new midwife led units."

Sign up below to add your views on this story or email the Middy Mailbag by clicking here