A woman whose mother died after waiting on a trolley for more than ten hours warns changes to hospital services could cost lives.

Azra Mutombo spoke out against the proposed downgrading of the accident and emergency department at the Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath.

Health chiefs want to turn it into an urgent treatment centre, meaning many casualty patients would be taken instead to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton.

Mrs Mutombo's mother, Doreen Barley, 63, was diagnosed with inoperable cancer of the pancreas in February.

She started coughing blood on July 8, but was left on a trolley at the Royal Sussex County from about 8.15am to 6.30pm and died the following Monday.

Mrs Mutombo branded the proposed changes "disgusting and totally ridiculous" because the Royal Sussex County was already overstretched.

She said: "It's crazy because the A&E at the Royal Sussex County can't cope with what it's got now.

"While we were there, it was already a total nightmare.

"There are not enough staff and they can't cope with the load they've got now.

"Lives are going to be put into danger. Each area needs its own A&E."

Mrs Mutombo is supporting the Argus Save Our A&E campaign, which is also being backed by MPs, councillors and community groups.

Mid Sussex councillor Anne Jones is a vociferous opponent of the proposed changes to the Princess Royal Hospital.

She said: "It shows that the Royal Sussex County can't cope already.

"The whole idea of adding on A&E patients from Mid Sussex is ridiculous.

"What we need is the two hospitals to be properly resourced."

Haywards Heath Town Council has organised a public meeting to discuss the issue at Clair Hall, Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, from 7.30pm on Thursday, August 31.

Members of the review board considering the future of the Princess Royal Hospital have been invited and are expected to answer questions.

Previous stories from our campaign are available in the news features section of the websites - thisisbrightonandhove.co.uk, thisismidsussex.co.uk, thisisworthing.co.uk and thisiseastbourne.co.uk