Many women treated for breast cancer in Brighton are not happy, according to a new survey.

It reveals nine per cent had appointments cancelled, 17 per cent said their condition worsened while waiting for their first appointment and 23 per cent said they were not treated with dignity or respect.

Another 21 per cent in Brighton felt they did not have enough privacy and the same amount felt not enough doctors were on duty.

These figures are higher than those for women treated in Eastbourne and Worthing and should cause concern.

They almost certainly reflect a rapidly increasing demand for treatment in the area and the inadequate nature of the building used at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

A second surgeon has already been taken on since the survey and there are plans to expand the unit.

The vital decision ahead must be to keep the centre in Brighton rather than moving it to Haywards Heath, otherwise patient dissatisfaction will soar.