A campaign has been launched to prevent cuts to NHS homeopathic treatments in West Sussex.

The Mid Sussex Homeopathic Group hopes to stop West Sussex Health Authority from withdrawing funding for treatment.

The health authority is currently evaluating complementary health treatments across the county to decide whether they are financially viable or whether money would be better spent elsewhere.

The health authority is expected to decide on possible cuts at its board meeting on December 8. Then funding could stop in April 2001.

The Mid Sussex Homeopathic Group, with the support of the British Homeopathic Association and the Faculty of Homeopathy, is calling on the authority not to impose cuts.

Campaigners say complementary medicines are increasing in popularity with thousands of patients opting for treatment every year. They say patients should have the right to choose an alternative form of healthcare which has proved to be effective.

Campaigner Peter Fisher, clinical director of the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital, said: "We wrote to the authority offering to help in its review of complementary medicine but did not even receive a reply.

"Instead, we were told that funding would cease, even though this proposal has not been agreed by the full board.

"I have written to each board member asking them to work with us and properly review all the evidence for homeopathy, rather than merely rubber- stamping the proposal."

Mid Sussex Homeopathic Group chairman Peter Mitchell said: "Local people are finding homeopathy safe, gentle and effective and support our campaign for continued NHS funding, yet it still risks being withdrawn.

"We are confident the authority will think again and common sense will prevail."

A health authority spokesman said: "Our overall aim is to ensure that we make best use of the financial resources available and this is done through a long period of consultation."