Campaigners fighting to save services at their accident and emergency department have vowed to step-up their battle.

The Princess Royal Hospital Action Group said it is determined to keep the pressure on health bosses and make patients' views heard.

Health officials are considering moving some emergency cases, including car crash victims, from the hospital in Haywards Heath to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, in Brighton, as part of the Central Sussex Partnership Programme.

Some patients could also have to travel from Brighton to Haywards Heath for services such as women's care, outpatients' care and elective surgery.

The proposals sparked fury from thousands of residents who said the extra miles patients would have to travel by ambulance could mean the difference between life and death.

Protesters said access to Brighton town centre by car and public transport was difficult and would cause more problems.

More than 17,000 people signed an Argus petition against the proposals and a further 30,000 signed one organised by the action group.

Action group member Anne Jones said: "We appreciate that health officials are being as open as possible through numerous meetings, discussions and focus groups that have involved the public.

"It is clear they are trying to get things right and are open to discussion, views and ideas before any final recommendations are made. We are willing to be involved in that but we simply cannot ignore the fundamental fact that we need a full accident and emergency service at PRH."

Campaigners argue that the growing population in the Mid Sussex area means there is a demand for a casualty unit both in Haywards Heath and in Brighton.

The review of services between both hospitals is a joint project between East Sussex, Brighton and Hove and West Sussex health authorities, Brighton Health Care NHS Trust and Mid Sussex NHS Trust.

The aim is to set up hospital services which can cope with technological advances and the demands of a rapidly- changing health system.

The proposals also aim to ensure future hospital services meet the requirements of the Royal Colleges, which govern the training needs of doctors.

Central Sussex Partnership said there was still a long way to go before a final plan is drawn up and it will continue to gather as many views and ideas as possible.