Meeting on hospital trust's future

The meeting will take place at 6pm at the Lewes Town Hall and is part of a 12-week public consultation.

East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust runs the Crowborough Birthing Unit, the Conquest Hospital in Hastings and Eastbourne District General Hospital.

Managers at the trust believe the changes will mean they have more financial freedom and would be able to take local issues into account and consult more often with the public.

Judith Clabby, director of corporate services for the trust, said: 'We hope that people will come along and find out more about our proposals to become a NHS Foundation Trust.

'The proposals being consulted upon put the people of East Sussex, including residents of Lewes and surrounding area, at the heart of decision-making of their local health service, giving them - local choices, local voices.

'We want to hear what local people think and this is an opportunity to listen and respond to the views of local people.'

The proposals are outlined in a public consultation document, available at local hospitals and clinics, through the NHS Foundation Trust Office at Eastbourne District General Hospital, telephone 0845 2233099 or available online from the Trust's website www.esht.nhs.uk/ft.