A multi-million pound centre for children with disabilities and development problems is being planned.

The new centre would merge health, education and social care services scattered around Brighton and Hove on to one site.

It would mean parents and children would normally only have to go to one site for treatments, assessments and information instead of travelling around the city.

Staff would be able to work more closely together and it would be easier to monitor the progress and development of the child as he or she went through school.

The new centre would replace the existing MacKeith centre based at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Sick Children which will close when the hospital relocates to the Royal Sussex County Hospital site in a few years' time.

South Downs Health workers already work closely with staff at Brighton and Hove City Council's children, families and schools department to co-ordinate the development, education and care of children with disabilities.

Basing them on one site will make it easier to plan and co-ordinate services.

Those benefiting will be children and young people aged up to 19 who have complex developmental problems, autistic problems, brain injuries, sensory impairments, such as blindness or deafness, physical disabilities and complex speech and language problems.

The preferred site for the new centre would be a new building at Brighton General Hospital which would cost about £6.7 million, although other possibilities in the city are being considered.

Derek Blincow, director of children and family services at South Downs Health, said the trust had been working with the council over the last 18 months to investigate ways to integrate services.

He said: "It will effectively create a one-stop shop for parents and carers as the child is referred to one place where the professionals are working together.

"We are helping children with complex development problems, physical and learning disabilities and special education needs.

"We have also been working closely with voluntary groups who have been finding out the views of parents and families about the proposals."

Space is also expected to be provided for voluntary groups supporting children, young people and their families. They will be able to provide parental support, information and advice.

Dr Blincow said: "Everyone is very excited about the project as it is going to make access to a whole range of services across the various agencies much easier."

South Downs Health board members are to discuss the plan on Thursday.

The cost of the development is expected to come through either a private finance initiative or from money provided by Surrey and Sussex Strategic Health Authority, which will make the final decision on the idea.