A hospital radio station is going off air for three months to raise cash for an expensive upgrade.

Coastway Hospital Radio serves Royal Sussex County Hospital and the Sussex Eye Hospital in Brighton.

It is trying to generate about £6,000 to improve its reception by transferring from a mono to a stereo service.

Hospital bosses are installing a new Patientline system which gives patients access to an all-in-one TV, radio and phone service next to their bed.

The machines will be broadcasting five national and local stations and a sixth has been set aside for hospital radio.

Contractors putting in the new cables for the system have agreed to include one for the station but the scheme could cost Coastway up to £6,000.

Chairman Kenton Hadley said: "We have decided to come off the air and concentrate all our efforts on raising the money for this.

"We need to find the money so we can keep up with developments."

The changes mean a planned interview with Elvis Presley's cousin Donna Presley on Friday will not be broadcast live.

Volunteers plan to use the interview to mark the station's relaunch, possibly in November.

Donna is visiting Brighton and Hove this weekend to answer questions about her life at Graceland and memories of Elvis during an Elvis Night at the Hilton Metropole Hotel on Saturday.

Patients tuning into the station will now hear continuous recorded music while volunteers work behind the scenes.

Station volunteer Guy Lloyd said: "We will be writing to large businesses, organisations and groups asking for their support.

"We would also like to hear from any smaller groups or individuals who are willing to help us."

Coastway radio has about 80 members with a nucleus of 30 people who help run the station.

Anyone interested in helping the station can call 01273 626123 or go to www.coastwayhospitalradio.org.uk.