A hospital trust is winning its battle to reduce bed blocking.

Figures show 57 people are fit for discharge but with nowhere to go at East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust.

That compares with a target of 62. The trust, which runs Eastbourne District General (DGH) and Hastings' Conquest Hospitals, said the figures were pleasing.

A breakdown of hospitals run by the trust shows the Conquest is ahead of its target of 31 with 18 bed blockers.

All Saints Hospital in Eastbourne is also exceeding its target of 17 with 12 bed blockers. However, the DGH is slightly under its target of 14 with 17 bed blockers. The figures were revealed at the trust's board meeting yesterday.

Medical director Dr Hugh McIntyre said: "The figures demonstrate that the trust is ahead of target.

"The main area of concern has been the non-social services delays which have risen slightly as a result of court protection and complicated discharges."