Frontline health staff and patients are giving their views

They were taking part in simultaneous, nationwide discussions that were video-linked with Sir Ara Darzi, a minister and surgeon.

Kent, Sussex and Surrey were being represented by 40 patients, 40 members of the public, and 40 health workers.

Health minister Dawn Primarolo also attended the event in Maidstone, Kent.

Protests held

NHS South East Coast chief executive, Candy Morris, said the national review endorsed the health authority's work on the Creating an NHS Fit for the Future programme which was "led by doctors, nurses and other health professionals".

She said the programme had focused "on improving safety of services by proposing changes which are based on the most up-to-date clinical evidence and guidance".

And she added the reforms aimed to "drive up quality and access to services for all".

But the Fit for the Future reviews have seen protests across East Sussex, West Sussex and Surrey by campaigners fighting feared cuts to hospital services.

In August, Surrey Primary Care Trust confirmed it was "highly unlikely" there would be consultation on any A&E or hospital closures in the county.

Campaigners said they were delighted for all the hospitals that seemed to be "reprieved".