Eastbourne's MP has accused the Prime Minister of underplaying the seriousness of bed-blocking in East Sussex.

Tony Blair told Conservative MP Nigel Waterson the number of people occupying hospitals beds while fit for discharge was down under his Government.

But Mr Waterson said there were 121 beds blocked across East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, a problem created by Labour.

He added: "In the winter of 1999-2000, there was virtually no bed blocking at all, so it is a relatively recent phenomenon.

"And it is one entirely presided over by this Government and produced by his policies. He clearly doesn't understand patients are suffering because of his policies."

Bed blocking happens when elderly people cannot be discharged from hospital even though they don't need treatment because there is nowhere for them to go.

It has been worsened in East Sussex by the high number of elderly people and the controversial Government care home standards introduced in April.

Many care homes have gone bust under the pressure to meet the strict new guidelines, with many more floundering.

In April, we told how care homes leaders in East Sussex predicted many homes would close after being thrown a lifeline of just £10 a week.

At Eastbourne District General Hospital, 56 beds are blocked while at the Conquest Hospital in Hastings the figure is 65.