A new hospital in Littlehampton will help stop bed blocking and improve patient care, residents have been told.

More than 20 people attended a public consultation meeting last night at Rustington Town Hall to find out about the proposed £6.3 million hospital.

They were told how support from a new community team - combining NHS and social services facilities - would free up hospital beds by helping people return home sooner.

In the past, some patients fit enough to leave hospital but unable to care for themselves have ended up blocking hospital beds.

Adur, Arun and Worthing Primary Care Trust spokeswoman Elizabeth Lamont said the Arun area had not experienced the level of home help the community team would provide.

She said: "It's the way forward, to prevent bed blocking and deliver care to the individual.

"The team will involve nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, care assistants - it's the NHS and social services working together to provide a comprehensive package."

Ms Lamont said the community team would be just one aspect of how a new 44-bed hospital could improve the health service in Arun.

Other factors include more than 500 extra people being cared for each year, a new X-ray department and more nurses and therapists.

If the plans go ahead, they will replace Zachary Merton Hospital, Rustington, by enhancing the buildings at Littlehampton Hospital.

More public consultation meetings will be held at:

Littlehampton Town Council, Church Street, Littlehampton, on April 10, 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Angmering Sports and Social Club, Decoy Drive, Angmering, on April 23, 2.30pm to 4.30pm
Ferring Village Hall, Ferring Street, April 28, 2.30pm to 4.30pm.

For a copy of the public consultation document, telephone 01903 707447.