A popular bus link between two hospitals has been scrapped to save money.

Staff have been using a free coach service between the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, and Brighton General Hospital since May 2002.

It was launched to ease parking problems at the Royal Sussex in Eastern Road.

It also meant workers who started their shift at the Royal Sussex and needed to go to the General in Elm Grove would not have to drive there then waste time trying to find a parking space when they returned.

A Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust spokeswoman said the decision to cut the service would save £80,000 a year.

The trust has serious money problems and needs to save £34 million this financial year to break even. Managers said fewer staff were using the bus following the recent move of inpatient services from Brighton General to the Royal Sussex.

The trust still has outpatient clinics at the General but the number of staff having to travel between sites has fallen.

An existing minibus for staff which travels from the Royal Sussex to the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Sick Children in Dyke Road will be extended to take in the Brighton General at regular points throughout the day.