The PCT has told Worthing the deal is unacceptable and ordered the hospital to come up with a plan to create a high-dependency unit to replace the axed service in Chichester.

But campaigners fear tiny babies will die with the proposed new unit not being up to scratch – and not set up for five years.

"It is absolutely diabolical the PCT is closing down a unit which not only is established but which has been proven to be very,very good," said Abigail Rowe from the Support St Richard's campaign.

"This risks the lives of tiny babies who need such specialised care and ventilating through the night."

Currently Worthing has a low-grade level-one special baby care unit while St Richard's has a higher level two high-dependency unit able to care for babies who need to be ventilated and require specialised care.

When the PCT recommended Worthing becomes the county's only major general hospital and St Richard's – including the baby care unit – be downgraded, it set out the condition Worthing must provide a replacement level two unit.

But the Observer can reveal officials from Worthing and Brighton met in April where they agreed Worthing would keep its level-one unit, while babies requiring more specialised care would be transferred to Brighton's level three unit.

The PCT was in the dark about the agreement when it made its recommendation to site the MGH in Worthing – prompting its
ultimatum.

Chichester campaigners are now pleading with the PCT to see sense and re-examine its recommendation that Worthing and not Chichester be the MGH.

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