Tony Blair's recent assertion that decisions over hospital cuts in Sussex are yet to be made is contradicted by documents released under the Freedom of Information Act.

These documents show that, as feared, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals (BSUH) NHS Trust is one of the 77 trusts most at risk of cuts because of existing significant deficits.

Other South Eastern Trusts under threat include Surrey and Sussex, Guildford and Waverley, North Surrey and Royal West Sussex.

Under long-term plans, an increasing number of patients will be treated in the community rather than at their local hospital.

However, the existing resources for community care are inadequate to cope with the additional demand.

The theory does make sense but, in practice, the facilities and resources are generally not yet available and any attempt to reduce the BSUH overspend in one hit will surely lead to cutbacks in services for Brighton and Hove residents.

Such cutbacks are clearly unsustainable.

A ward at the Royal Sussex County Hospital was recently closed because of lack of resources and then reopened in the same night to meet demand.

I have the greatest respect for medical and support staff at BSUH, and the outstanding care they provide for patients, and also understand the measures the BSUH Trust Board are putting in place under Government instruction.

But the latest documents strongly suggest the Government is not acting in the best interests of patients.

Ministers appear more intent on combating media coverage of their plans rather than the financial crisis gripping the NHS.

  • Councillor Ann Norman, Withdean Ward