Pensioners are fighting for their rights, claiming they face a daily barrier of discrimination and inequality.

Elderly people across Mid and West Sussex say they face daily difficulties because people become impatient with their frailty, and this can even lead to poor health care under current NHS rules.

They say they are refused kidney treatments because they are over 65 and other rules bar them from intensive care and cardiac units.

Once patients reach 65 they are refused breast screening treatment.

Robyn Clayton, chief officer of West Sussex Health Authority, admitted there was a problem of discrimination in the authority but has introduced a raft of measures to make sure elderly patients receive the treatment they need.

She says she is using new national guidelines to stamp out discrimination across Sussex.

The Government's National Service Framework for Older People was revealed to applause at the annual meeting of charity Age Concern in Billingshurst.

It is hoped the ten-year plan will lead to greater equality for older people and modernise health and social services Peggy Trimm-Allen, chief officer for Age Concern in Burgess Hill, welcomed the document. She said: "I do think there is discrimination but I am hopeful by recognising it, it will be stamped out."

Ms Clayton introduced the new document and Susan Fletcher from West Sussex Health Authority explained what it would mean for older people.

She said the evidence of discrimination in Sussex was overwhelming and was pleased the first thing the framework addressed was anti-discrimination.

She said: "It is an important document for all of us, for those working in health and social care and for people working organisations relating to older people.

"A lot of work on the national service framework is about keeping the continued increase in length of life and quality of life. It is something we need to welcome and tackle with enthusiasm."

Mid Sussex councillor Mike Gilkes welcomed the framework and said: "The world is so fast these days and there is a tendency to be inconsiderate of people who can't deal with it at that speed."

Councillor Gilkes said everyone was guilty of it at some point and gave the examples of becoming frustrated with old people crossing the road or driving cars. He said it was something everyone could make an effort to improve.

Mrs Fletcher said: "At last we are seeing something coming from central Government that so many of us have been talking about and been committed to for such a long time.

"This framework is to drive up quality and to reduce variation. We can be confident that if a service is to be provided it will be provided across the country."