Campaigners have vowed to fight all the way after health managers today approved plans to downgrade a hospital maternity unit.
Members of the East Sussex Downs and Weald and Hastings and Rother Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) spent three hours discussing the controversial proposals at a meeting in Uckfield this morning.
Members of the joint board were heckled throughout the meeting. Campaigners shouted 'sham' and 'farce'.
At one point the chairman Charles Everett warned the meeting could be held in secret because of the constant disruptions.
They agreed to accept a recommendation by PCTs chief executive Nick Yeo to allow the Conquest Hospital in St Leonards to keep full maternity services while downgrading those at Eastbourne.
The Conquest will also become the home of the special care baby unit.
Tens of thousands of people including medics, midwives, GPs and residents opposed the plans during a public consultation held earlier this year.
Opponents fear lives could be put at risk by making mothers needing specialised birthing facilities travel 20 miles from Eastbourne to Hastings.
They said full services should be kept at both hospitals.
Campaigners, including local MPs, were out in force this morning with around 50 people packed into Uckfield's Civic Centre to hear the debate.
Members of the Save the DGH and Hands Off the Conquest campaign both condemned the decision made.
Members of the South East Coast Strategic Health Authority board are this afternoon expected to approve the PCT's decision.
For more information about health in your area visit the local information section of this website.
How will the decision affect you? Tell us your stories below or call Siobhan Ryan on 01273 732254.
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