The Argus' campaign to save vital services at a Sussex hospital is being backed by Brighton Kemp Town MP Des Turner.

Mr Turner has signed our petition against the proposed downgrading of accident and emergency services at the Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath - a move which would see many patients transferred to Brighton instead.

Under the controversial proposals, medical emergencies such as asthma, strokes and heart attacks would be dealt with at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, and the Princess Royal Hospital.

But health chiefs are suggesting all trauma cases, such as crash victims or broken hips, and all emergency surgery should go to the Royal Sussex County.

Mr Turner fears the proposed changes would put lives at risk and over-stretch the already busy Royal Sussex County.

He said existing facilities could be better funded and added: "As fast as the Government pumps money into the health service, the health authority seems to find new ways of not shovelling it to the coalface."

A review board, including representatives of health trusts and other bodies, drew up a discussion document on the issue, which was officially released on Monday.

The document, Modern Hospital Services for Central Sussex, is available from the Central Sussex Partnership Programme, Springman House, 8 North Street, Lewes, BN7 2PB.

It is also available by telephone on 01273 485391, by e-mailing projectadm@esbhhealth.cix.co.uk and via the website of Mid Downs Community Health Council on www.middownschc.co.uk.

Comments on the proposals should be made to the same places by October 13.

Bryan Jones, chairman of Mid Downs Community Health Council, said: "This is a valuable opportunity for local people to consider all the issues.

"A strong public message at this point in time can make a real difference. It is an opportunity which should not be missed."

Our petition form was printed in yesterday's Argus, but another copy of it is available on 01273 544712.

The form can also be printed from the news (local issues) sections of our websites - thisisbrightonandhove.co.uk, thsismidsussex.co.uk, thisiseastbourne.co.uk and thisisworthing.co.uk Please return the completed forms to Sarah Carpenter, Save Our A&E Petition, Evening Argus, Crowhurst Road, Hollingbury, BN1 8AR, or to her, care of any of the Argus offices in Brighton, Hove, Burgess Hill, Chichester, Eastbourne, Horsham or Worthing.

Photocopies will be accepted and forms should be returned by October 6.