An MP has called on hospital bosses to state clearly and unequivocally that no staff would be made redundant.

Hastings and Rye MP Michael Foster spoke out after East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust announced it was shedding 250 posts as part of a drive to save money.

The trust, which runs Eastbourne District General Hospital and the Conquest Hospital in St Leonards, says it expects the posts to go through natural staff movements and retirements and not compulsory redundancies.

Mr Foster said: "I applaud the trust for seeking to stay within its budget. That said, there is absolutely no reason to make anyone compulsorily redundant and staff need to be given that assurance.

"Of course I appreciate bosses are not at this stage suggesting redundancies. They are simply flagging up total spending in the coming year must be restricted to the increased funds that are made available."

East Sussex Hospitals employs about 5,100 people and has an annual budget of £206 million.

It managed to break even last year but still owes £5 million.

The trust has tried to save money by cutting back on agency staff and treating more patients as day cases to reduce the need for beds.