Campaigners lose battle over hospital
After years of fighting, campaigners opposing the downgrading of maternity services at Eastbourne District Hospital have finally lost their battle. Phil and Sangeeta link to Tom Savvides.
Maternity services downgraded
The maternity department at Eastbourne District Hospital will be downgraded under plans discussed today.
Health bosses to decide maternity future
Preparations are underway for an emergency board meeting of East Sussex
Healthcare NHS Trust.
They will put forward proposals to close the maternity department at Eastbourne District Hospital and replace it with a midwife-led unit.
They say they can't recruit enough specialist doctors and nurses so plan to temporarily close the department in 6-8 weeks. Campaigners fear that the closure will become permanent.
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Expectant mums may have to travel
East Sussex Hospitals NHSTrust says it can't recruit enough specialist staff at Eastbourne Hospital so expectant mums would have to travel to the Conquest in Hastings. Campaigners fought off plans to close the department in 2008.
Fears over maternity unit's future
The maternity department at Eastbourne District Hospital could be downgraded under plans being discussed today. Managers want to temporarily shut the unit because of a lack of specialist staff. Campaigners fear it could signal a permanent closure.