All hospitals which were under threat of losing vital A&E services have been told these will remain.

However, health bosses confirmed consultant led maternity, emergency surgery and paediatrics still faced the axe.

PCT chief executive John Wilderspin said: "This model has the support of the local NHS and has been designed with the public's views in mind.

"It will ensure that the majority of people can still go to their local A&E apart from those needing really specialist care who will be better supported in a hospital with more specialist services.

"I believe this is the best model for hospital services in West Sussex."

The model was backed by clinicians and chairman of the independent review panel Sir Graeme Catto.

It will see A&E maintained at St Richards Hospital in Chichester, Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath and Worthing Hospital.

West Sussex Primary Care Trust approved the plans at a board meeting held today in Haywards Heath (Wednesday May 7).

What will stay?

A&E services

Intensive care - treatment and monitoring for people who are in a critically ill, or unstable condition

Routine planned surgery - when a patient goes into hospital on a specific day, for a specific operation, such as a hernia repair Acute medical emergencies - for example heart attacks.

What will go?

There will be the gradual centralisation to one major general hospital of some services including:

Consultant-led maternity services

Inpatient children's services

Emergency surgery - for example acute appendicitis and the majority of trauma cases, including hip fractures.

The PCT Board will decide on the location of the major general hospital at the board meeting on Wednesday June 4.

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