A task force has been set up to examine possible cuts in hospital services.

West Sussex County Council's health scrutiny select committee wants the team to investigate the reasons behind any changes and ensure people's health is not put at risk.

South East Coast Strategic Health Authority (SHA) is reviewing all hospital and health services across Sussex as part of plans to reduce debts of around £100 million.

Changes could mean hospitals such as Worthing, St Richard's in Chichester, Eastbourne District General Hospital and the Conquest in St Leonards losing facilities such as accident and emergency, maternity and paediatrics.

This would mean many patients having to make longer journeys to hospitals further away and in some cases out of the county altogether.

The SHA believes walk-in treatment centres for minor injuries and problems will mean less need for people to travel further afield to A&E in emergencies as the vast majority of cases coming into casualty fall into this category.

It also says having facilities like blood tests, X-Rays and outpatient appointments in GP surgeries, clinics and community hospitals will ease pressures on major hospitals.

The West Sussex task force will be focusing on Worthing and St Richard's.

The select committee believes a major public information campaign would be needed and travel times researched to make sure the community gets access to the services.

Committee chairwoman Anne-Marie Morris said: "Our aim is to look objectively at these proposals and try to ensure the best possible outcome.

"We want everyone to have accurate information about relevant issues such as community care and transport needs, and we will also look at the social care implications of any NHS proposals."

The task force will examine the effects of moving up to ten per cent of hospital-based acute care into the community and what it will mean for residents.

Petitions set up in Worthing, Chichester, Eastbourne and Hastings have already been signed by thousands of people determined to keep full health facilities in their hospital.

Local MPs have also been involved along with borough councils which have pledged to fight for services. Worthing Borough Council this week agreed to send a deputation to the Department of Health and arrange a public meeting to discuss the issue.

Eastbourne Borough Council is also planning to fight changes while the subject will be discussed by Adur District Council at its next meeting in Shoreham on Thursday.

Health officials responsible for looking into the changes insist no decisions have been made yet and there will be full consultation on any changes in the autumn before a final decision is made in the New Year.