Two key positions in the Nigel Porter breast cancer unit have not been filled even though health chiefs admit the service is failing to meet Government standards.

People fighting the unit's move from Brighton and Hove say the failure to fill the posts proves health chiefs regard the move as a done deal.

Robert Gumpert, a consultant surgeon at the Nigel Porter Unit for breast care retired in May, leaving the unit with just one surgeon, Andrew Yelland. Mr Gumpert's position has not been filled.

The other post was left vacant by Michele Stacey, a senior nurse who left in July after being head-hunted by a London hospital.

Jean Nehls, co-chairwoman of the Friends of the Nigel Porter Unit, said: "I think the trust feels the plan is settled. One surgeon retired in May but they knew last November he was going and only last week did they advertise for a replacement. That's disgusting. I feel women are being discriminated against.

"I'm sure the trust thought the transfer was a foregone conclusion and think that, otherwise it would have filled these positions.

"It's absolutely ridiculous that the positions have not been filled for so long."

Health chiefs deny the positions have been left vacant because they are already planning to transfer the service. The public consultation period does not close until the end of next week.

Stuart Welling, chief executive of Brighton Health Care NHS Trust, which operates the unit, said Mr Gumpert had been employed as a part-time breast care surgeon and a locum post has been advertised.

Mr Welling said: "The response to the advert was poor and no one was appointed."

After Mr Gumpert's departure, a review of the surgery service, and the decision to create a single team of surgeons, led to a review of the post. It was decided a full-time position was needed.

This decision required creating a new job description and securing funding for the post.

Approval of all aspects of the new position was secured and the post had been advertised last Saturday.

Mr Welling said: "Michele was a nurse specialist with extensive experience and a valued member of the team. As is often the case when a post becomes vacant, it provides an opportunity for the role to be reviewed.

"A review of the needs of the department was undertaken with members of staff from the unit and a new job description has been agreed."

It will be advertised shortly.