Government inspectors have returned to a Sussex NHS trust just days before the publication of a report into its performance.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) made an unannounced visit to East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust today and will return again tomorrow.

The delayed report into the CQC’s last inspection in September is due to be published on Friday and widely expected to be critical of the trust.

The trust runs Eastbourne District General Hospital and the Conquest Hospital in St Leonards and also provides community services across East Sussex.

It is continuing to operate normally while the visit continues.

A CQC spokesman said: “Following an inspection last year we are about to report our findings.

“To ensure we give the most accurate picture to date, CQC inspectors are visiting the trust this week and we will be publishing the report on March 27.”

The inspection is the latest in a new, tougher, level of checks carried out by the CQC at NHS trusts around the country.

It focuses on a range of services, including accident and emergency, medical care, surgery, intensive care, maternity, paediatrics, end of life care and outpatients.