The second launch date for a crucial document mapping the future of medical care in Sussex has been finalised.

Health chiefs will now unveil proposals for changes to the Princess Royal Hospital, in Haywards Heath, and the Royal Sussex County Hospital, in Brighton, on August 21.

The discussion document was originally going to be launched on July 27 but health managers involved with the review of care across central Sussex postponed the date so recommendations did not clash with the NHS National Plan.

The National Plan recommended sweeping changes to the NHS including 7,000 extra hospital and intermediate care beds, more than 100 new hospitals by 2010, 7,500 more consultants, 2,000 more GPs, 20,000 extra nurses and 6,500 extra therapists.

The programme director for the Sussex review, June Dales, said the consultation period after the document was released would be extended to October 13 to compensate for the delay.

She said health planners involved were taking every care to address the needs of patients and the public.

"We are looking forward to discussing the future for hospital services in central Sussex. This document will help that process."

The review has been looking at how hospital care can be provided best in central Sussex so medical specialties flourish through being centralised.

As part of the reorganisation, some accident and emergency cases which would have been seen in Haywards Heath could be moved to Brighton or Redhill.

Mid Sussex district councillor Anne Jones, who has spoken out against plans to move A&E care away from Haywards Heath, said: "I'm glad a date for the document to be released has been set but I'm sorry it's in the middle of summer holidays.

"We hope the review team will come up with a discussion paper that takes into account people's concerns."

The Argus has been campaigning to stop any plans to downgrade accident and emergency care at Haywards Heath.

As part of the campaign there has been strong concern in central Sussex's community and medical circles that delays in reaching the operating table could cost lives.