An operating theatre for minor surgery has opened in a bid to cut waiting times.

The £80,000 theatre at the Eastbourne District General Hospital (DGH) is part of a modernisation process carried out by the Government.

GPs will be able to book patients straight in for procedures, avoiding initial outpatient appointments.

Dr Trevor King, consultant anaesthetist and lead clinician for day surgery at East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "This new minor operation theatre will speed up the service we offer to patients with lumps and bumps.

"The new facility will allow us to operate throughout the week, increasing the number of patients seen.

"We will predominantly be treating patients with skin lesions, cysts and minor conditions with this fast and responsive service."

The trust serves 500,000 people across East Sussex.