THE BATTLE to end a staffing crisis at a hospital is to be taken to Parliament.

Nursing shortages at Eastbourne District General Hospital were highlighted as a factor at the inquest into the death of a patient.

And it has also been revealed that the hospital is understaffed by as many as 65 nurses.

Now the matter is to be raised in the Commons after concerns were voiced by Eastbourne MP Nigel Waterson.

The Speaker has agreed to his demands for a debate on the issue on Monday.

Mr Waterson said: "I am very concerned about the level of staffing at the hospital.

"During this debate, I shall be pressing ministers to make a positive commitment that more qualified nurses will be recruited at Eastbourne as soon as possible."

Last year hairdresser Pauline Freeman bled to death after a routine hysterectomy.

An inquest heard she died on a ward with just one qualified nurse and three auxiliary nurses looking after 34 patients.

An auditor's report last year said the hospital was operating with 65 nurses short.

Health watchdog the Community Health Council has had talks with hospital officials, urging them to give the public more information about staffing levels.

Managers have agreed further investigations into Mrs Freeman's death and are in negotiation with the Health Authority to discuss nursing recruitment.

The talks are expected to end by June 24.

But Mr Waterson said: "The fact is we need action now and that is why I am initiating this debate. We really need to speed the process up, not just for Eastbourne but because shortages are a national problem"

Chris Randall, of Eastbourne Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "Any debate about nursing issues in Parliament is to be welcomed."

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