A children's hospital has closed a ward and cut operations because of staff shortages.

The 14-bed Taaffe ward at the Royal Alexandra hospital in Dyke Road, Brighton, could be shut for several weeks.

Patients have been moved to different wards and managers say their care will not be affected.

They say they have struggled to secure cover for sickness and maternity leave.

Patients have been moved to the hospital's other three wards and some routine operations have been cancelled or rescheduled.

A hospital spokeswoman said the change did not mean a cut in the number of beds because they had been relocated to other parts of the hospital.

This meant staff would be able to look after patients more easily.

The spokeswoman said claims the ward would be closed for six months were wrong.

It was expected to reopen in four to six weeks and recruitment was already under way.

Some patients' parents and carers say they are worried about the effect of the changes on patients and staff morale.

In a letter to The Argus, a "frightened and very angry" carer said Tony Blair should take a break from the Labour Party Conference and see the hospital for himself.

The letter said: "I have learned Taaffe ward at the Alex is closing for six months. Not six days, which has been known, not six weeks, which would be worrying to contemplate, but six months."

The writer claimed children, nurses, parents and carers had been compromised due to equipment and facilities not being immediately available when wards merged.

The letter continued: "Winter is approaching. This is when vulnerable children become sick. Taaffe ward is at its busiest in winter.

"Children with cystic fibrosis get infections and children with acute asthma deteriorate.

"The strain on the wider care system and on families affected by the decision, when costed, will probably add up to more than keeping Taaffe ward open."

Clinical director John Trounce said: "Some shortterm measures have had to be put in place to make sure we can provide access to children's services for the maximum number of children.

"A few children have been moved to a different ward and are receiving the same high quality nursing and medical care as before.

"All paediatric emergency services are being sustained and, as soon as we have the necessary staff, we will increase activity again."