An MP has called for crisis talks on the state of hospitals in his constituency.
Nigel Waterson, who represents Eastbourne, wants guarantees from the Strategic Health Authority that mounting debts in the East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust will not impact on patients.
He said: "There is clearly a growing crisis in the funding of the health service locally, with the hospitals trust facing a deficit possibly in excess of £7 million this year and the county healthcare trust already looking at a deficit of £3 million. At the same time we have up to ten per cent of beds blocked at the Eastbourne District General Hospital at present.
"I have already raised my concerns with the Prime Minister in the House. Now I want an urgent meeting with the Strategic Health Authority.
"I will be seeking categorical assurance that attempts to reduce these alarming deficits will not be at the expense of patient care.
"If such an assurance is not forthcoming then I fear we will see cancelled operations, wards closing and worsening patient care."
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