Publication of a crucial discussion document on the future of the Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath, has been delayed.

The Argus has been campaigning to stop a possible downgrading of services and keep all accident and emergency services at the hospital.

But a stop has been put on the release of all discussion documents nationally because the Goverment's National Framework for the NHS is due to be released in the next few weeks.

The discussion document, which was due to be released on July 27, will now be delayed for three weeks.

Review panels such as the Central Sussex group have been asked to check that their recommendations comply with the National Framework before release to avoid any clashes of policy.

Programme director for the review June Dales said: "We will adjust the end point of the review so that that we are not reducing the amount of time people have got to discuss any proposals.

"I think everyone has heard of the fact that the Government is going to launch a national plan. What has been difficult to predict has been the timing."

Meanwhile, a health watchdog claims public opposition to downgrading the hospital's accident and emergency is already clear.

Ernest Wood, a member of the Mid Downs Community Health Council, spoke of the strong feelings he has encountered.

Mr Wood said at a meeting of the CHC at Crawley that the public were against the third option of sending seriously injured or collapsed people, other than those suffering asthma or heart problems, to the busy Royal Sussex County Hospital at Brighton.

He said: "There is enough public opinion already available and option three is out as far as people are concerned. The people are very strongly against it."

The controversial move to send some emergency cases such as car crash victims on a longer journey to Brighton is part of a move for specialists to be concentrated in larger units.

But concern has already been expressed that delays in reaching the operating table could cost lives.

The Argus obtained early details of the options from the Lewes office of the team drawing up the discussion document.

Some members of the CHC think the public may be beginning to believe that NHS Trusts are there to push through either Government or regional NHS executive policy, paying lip service to opposition.

Member of the CHC Jean Burnham told the meeting: "People are cynical about public consultation."

Chief officer Trevor Richards said: "I think this is one of the issues we need to raise with the chairman of the West Sussex Health Authority to see what confidence she can build back into the system."