Health bosses in East Sussex have spoken out for the first time following shock news last week all community health councils are to be scrapped.

The Government has taken the decision as part of its National Plan for the NHS.

Community Health Councils were set up in 1974 and charged with representing the public within the NHS.

The Government now proposes to introduce a new Patient Advocacy and Liaison Service within all hospital trusts to support patients with problems or concerns.

The plan is to make trusts more open to the public and ensure patients and carers have more power over their healthcare.

East Sussex is mainly covered by Eastbourne, Seaford and Wealden CHC and Hastings and Rother CHC.

Both councils will be among those phased out as part of the National Plan.

John Faulds, chief officer for Eastbourne CHC, said the action had not been expected.

He said: "This announcement has taken all CHC staff and members totally by surprise.

"The new arrangements seem to offer promise and potential. There are however, questions about independence, accountability, resourcing and coordination and I am anxious to hear what arrangements the Government has in mind regarding such issues."

Council chairman Walter James said he believed the change could improve the service to the public.

He said: "I would like to assure the public, patients, carers and all organisations with whom we work, the council will be contributing its experience and expertise to inform the establishment of the new systems."