Health minister John Hutton will today be asked to approve a package of measures to improve long-term care for the elderly in Crawley.

The town's MP, Laura Moffatt, has secured a Westminster Hall debate on the issue.

She was due to present a report to Mr Hutton compiled with the help of health and social services bosses.

It calls for measures such as the improved planning of hospital discharges to reduce of bed blocking.

The Labour MP was also intending to ask for improved access to advice and support for the elderly and a review of the way drugs are prescribed to prevent pensioners suffering side-effects from being on the same medication for many years.

Ms Moffatt said: "We all started life in this town together as young people but we are now growing old together.

"This means the issue of care of the elderly must be addressed in a sensible way.

"This report sets out a range of measures that can make a difference and we are hoping it will be positively received.

"It does not simply ask for lots of money and suggest that is the answer. It looks for a long-term approach."