A government panel has slammed two primary care trusts for failing to consult on plans for a radical re-design of maternity services.

The independent reconfiguration panel last week rejected plans by East Sussex Downs and Weald PCT and Hastings and Rother PCT to move consultant-led maternity, special care baby services and inpatient gynaecology services from Eastbourne District General Hospital to the Conquest Hospital in Hastings.

The panel's verdict contrasted with two other decisions backing plans to reconfigure hospital services in London and North Yorkshire.

The panel concluded that the PCTs' proposals had not made a clear case for safer and more sustainable services for the people of East Sussex and that they reduced accessibility. The PCTs have one month to publish a plan to carry out the panel's recommendations, which include improving patient choice, ensuring "safety, sustainability and quality of services" and effectively communicating and engaging with local people.

Tough decision

Hastings and Rother PCT interim chief executive Vanessa Harris said: "The advice indicates quite clearly that the PCTs faced a very tough and very close decision."

The panel backed Barnet, Enfield and Haringey PCTs' proposal to close accident and emergency services at Chase Farm Hospital, centralise accident and emergency at Barnet and North Middlesex University hospitals and bring together obstetrician-led maternity services and inpatient services for children at Barnet and North Middlesex.

It also supported plans for a new elective inpatient centre on the Chase Farm site, alongside a daytime urgent care centre.

National emergency access director Sir George Alberti endorsed the PCTs' plans last year after opposition from local Labour MP Joan Ryan.

Enfield PCT medical director Peter Barnes said: "It has been a long road... and I am pleased to start delivering really tangible improvements for residents and patients across north London."

The panel also agreed with Scarborough and North East Yorkshire trust's plan to transfer cardiac and acute medical admissions at Bridlington and District Hospital to Scarborough Hospital. But it said Bridlington had a sustainable future and should continue to serve the local population with urgent access clinics, a 24/7 minor injuries clinic, GP out of hours service and expanded diagnostic and treatment facilities.

Trust interim medical director Earl Haworth said the recommendations would be implemented within the next three months, with all emergency medical admissions transferring to Scarborough Hospital in November and cardiac admissions transferring in October.

All three reports have been accepted by health secretary Alan Johnson.

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