Emergency surgery is moving from Crawley to East Surrey

This week, a new critical care unit opened at East Surrey, with 10 care beds and six high dependency beds as four beds closed at Crawley.

Surrey and Sussex NHS Trust said the move does not reduce numbers of critical care beds in the area.

This month, the trust said a transfer of Crawley's casualty department to East Surrey was a success.

Expansion plans

From Thursday at 0900 BST all patients from Crawley, Horsham and Redhill requiring emergency surgery will have operations at East Surrey.

On 2 August, Crawley's major complex surgery - such as extensive abdominal surgery or vascular surgery - is also being moved.

Lorraine Knight, general manager for critical care, said: "The redesign of critical care beds aims to enhance the quality of care patients receive.

"The changes will not reduce the number of critical care beds across the trust.

"The intention is to expand the department by creating six new high dependency beds."

'A&E move successful'

The trust said the additional high dependency beds will open at a later date, once funding is available.

Trust chief executive, Ken Cunningham, said: "The redesign of intensive care will make this department one of the best in the South East."

Earlier this month, the casualty department at Crawley was downgraded to a walk-in centre for minor injuries at night, with emergencies seen at East Surrey.

Staff told BBC South East Today they struggled to cope with the move and treatment areas were overflowing at Crawley.

The trust said the move had been successful, with all patients dealt with, and changes introduced which would improve care.