One of the busiest hospitals in Sussex is to lose almost a fifth of its car Parking.

One hundred places will be lost from the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton while work on a multi-million pound kidney unit takes place.

A further 40 spaces will permanently go from a car park at the Sussex Eye Hospital, which is opposite the Royal Sussex.

Parking conditions are already difficult for staff, patients and visitors and the move is expected to make it worse.

The eye hospital spaces are being taken out to make room for a new education centre, which will form part of the Brighton and Sussex Medical School, opening in September 2003.

The renal unit, which is due to open in December next year, will be based in a new level being built at the top of the multi-storey car park.

The top floor of the car park will be closed while the building work is carried out.

Parking is already at a premium at the hospital.

The introduction of a residents' permit parking scheme on the roads surrounding the hospital in Eastern Road has added to the pressure.

Staff say they are arriving for shifts and clinics late because they can't find a space.

One nurse, who has worked at the Royal Sussex for five years, said a lot of people were frustrated with the daily car parking problems.

She said: "It has got worse in the past few years because we have got busier. I work various shifts so I have to bring my car with me as you can't rely on public transport late at night.

"The worst problem is for people who start later in the day because there is never any space for them when they get to the hospital.

"They end up having to park far away and then walk back to their cars when it is dark at the end of the shift. It is not very safe."

Workers who have to travel regularly between Royal Sussex, Brighton General and the Royal Alexandra Hospital for Sick Children in Brighton are also having difficulties.

Staff fear it will get worse under long-term plans to consolidate Brighton hospital services on the Royal Sussex site.

Hospital bosses say they are working on ways to ease pressures.

These have included the possibility of park-and-ride schemes and an inter-site transport scheme.

A spokesman said: "We are fully aware of the difficulties many staff face and the knock-on effect it has on morale. We know this is an important issue and we are determined to find a solution.

"The renal unit is a vital resource and so is the education centre but that does not mean we are not aware of the impact the loss of the car parking spaces will have."

Hospital workers are being asked to take part in a new staff group aimed at finding answers.