MP Norman Baker is to give evidence to an Independent Reconfiguration Panel which is looking at East Sussex Downs and Weald, and Hastings and Rother Primary Care Trusts plans to scale down maternity services at Eastbourne District General Hospital and move the obstetrics department to the Conquest Hospital in Hastings.

Mr Baker said: 'I have always been clear that I am against any attempt to scale down the maternity services at the Eastbourne DGH, and as such I welcome the opportunity to give evidence to the Independent Reconfiguration Panel.

'I find it unacceptable that the local Primary Care Trusts want to concentrate maternity services in Hastings, as this would mean that expectant mothers, such as my constituents in Seaford may have to travel long distances to get to the maternity ward, with all the added dangers and stress that this creates.

'The maternity services at the Eastbourne DGH are valued immensely by the local community, both in Eastbourne and further afield in my constituency, and I will do what I can to prevent their loss.'