Hospitals across Sussex could be opting out of overall Government control in the next few years.

Tony Blair has signalled his support for proposals to give all hospitals controversial foundation status in four to five years time.

At Commons question time Mr Blair told MPs:"Provided the hospitals meet the criteria, we want as many as possible.

"It is right that we have the freedom for those hospitals so that they can provide a good service for National Health Service patients."

Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Trust is one of 32 in England to already put in a bid for Foundation hospital status.

Applications are only open to those trusts who got the maximum three stars in the government's performance ratings.

At the moment Queen Victoria Hospital is the only trust in Sussex with three stars. The former Brighton Health Care NHS Trust was given two while all others in the county are on one star.

It means hospitals will have to show a marked improvement in performance before being allowed to apply.

If Queen Victoria Hospital is successful it will mean managers will have more financial freedoms and freedom to be responsible for their own affairs.

The East Grinstead-based trust will be able to borrow money from banks to pay for major developments.

Proceeds from land sales can be kept for reinvestment in local services instead of returning the cash to a central pot.

Although still part of the NHS and subject to national standards and external inspections, managers will be given independence in all other areas, including staff pay and conditions.

The trust is specialist and renowned for its burns, maxillofacial, corneal surgery and plastic surgery techniques.

It does not have an accident and emergency department but runs a minor injuries unit and has a day surgery unit and outpatients department.

It achieved the maximum three stars in the last government performance ratings and was given a glowing report by the Commission for Health Improvement (Chi) inspectors.

Trust chief executive Jan Bergman said there would always be a commitment to providing services locally and regionally but there were also wider-scale plans.

He said: "Achieving foundation hospital status is only part of our strategy and we are eventually aiming to achieve clinical excellence which has an international reputation."

The idea of foundation hospitals has sparked controversy with calls for borrowing powers to be restricted.

Opponents are worried taxpayers will end up footing the bill if a foundation trust gets into major financial trouble and needs to bailed out by the government.

Hospitals already borrow from the Department of Health to pay for things such as building and equipment maintenance but by going directly to the banks the foundations will have a quicker and less bureaucratic way to get access to money.

There are also concerns that nursing and medical staff will be attracted to the hospital because pay conditions may be better which will cause recruitment problems for other hospitals in the area.

A short list created out of the 32 trusts that have come forward will be announced at the end of March and those selected will submit a more detailed bid.

The trusts eventually given the go-ahead will be announced in the autumn.