A hospital department which treats some emergency heart attack patients could be downgraded under new plans.

The coronary care unit at Eastbourne District General Hospital (EDGH) treats some emergency heart attach patients.

NHS Sussex said the EDGH would only offer cardiology services between 8am and 5pm, while 24-hour cardiology services could be provided in Brighton.

It would also work towards a 24-hour service in Hastings by April next year.

Sussex residents would have 24-hour access to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, the Conquest Hospital, St Leonards, and centres in Portsmouth, in Hampshire, Ashford, in Kent, and Frimley, in Surrey Stephen Lloyd, Eastbourne Liberal Democrat MP, said he was 'completely surprised and bewildered' and would fight the plans.