An MP is leading the fight against the downgrading of a 24-hour accident and emergency unit in Sussex.

There are fears overnight emergency facilities at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath may soon disappear, forcing patients in Mid Sussex to make the journey to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

No decisions have been made and the Princess Royal is still dealing with major and minor accidents at all times.

But there has been speculation that cost-cutting measures by Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs both hospitals, may lead to the closure of the 24-hour facility.

Lewes MP Norman Baker said: "The accident and emergency facilities at the Princess Royal are vital for a wide area of both East and West Sussex.

"If patients requiring emergency medical help are forced to go to Brighton or Redhill, that could mean the difference between life and death.

"It would also put tremendous pressure on Brighton, where waiting times in accident and emergency are already far too long."

Some emergency paediatric cases are already dealt with at Brighton.

A spokeswoman for the trust said: "We will maintain an emergency care facility across the county for residents.

"No decision has been made about ending 24-hour accident and emergency cover at the Princess Royal."