Services will stay the same for 18 months before changes are made

Problems recruiting advanced neonatal nurse practitioners to the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath may cause maternity care to be reorganised.

If no new staff are found, high risk cases may have to go to Brighton.

Mid Sussex Primary Care Trust said current services will remain the same for 18 months before changes are made.

'Safeguards services'

In a statement the trust said: "Current maternity services are to be maintained for a minimum of 18 months, while the longer term options are considered and discussed with the public.

"An interim solution is being implemented which safeguards services and supports existing staff."

The trust said there was not a problem recruiting specialist doctors or midwives to work at the hospital.

It said at Haywards Heath there was a shortage of specialist staff to look after babies in the special care baby unit and babies who need medical help when they are born.

This could result in the more serious cases being sent to a hospital in Brighton.

The trust said it was keen to ask women for their views and a patient survey is to be carried out by the National Childbirth Trust.

A total of 5,000 women will be asked for their opinion on maternity services being offered in Mid Sussex.

A public event will also be held on 10 July for people to hear about the review of services and to discuss concerns.