While the possibility of a merger has been seen as a shining light of hope for St Richard's, campaigners say doubt still persists because the Fit for the Future proposals still lurk in the background.

West Sussex Primary Care Trust has put the plans on hold while the Royal West Sussex NHS Trust and Worthing and Southlands Hospitals NHS Trust develop proposals for a merger.

Support St Richard's campaigner Abigail Rowe said while the merger talks were extremely positive news, it did not mean the PCT's plans to downgrade St Richard's had gone away.

"Fit for the Future has only been suspended, it has not been cancelled," she said.

"It is still casting a shadow and looming over us because there is still the possibility of reconfiguration and downgrading of vital services at St Richard's while the PCT's plans are on the table.

"It is time for Fit for the Future to be completely rejected. People will be absolutely devastated if the proposals are reinstated."

A full review of the Fit for the Future healthcare proposals was recommended to health secretary Alan Johnson, but this has been postponed because of the PCT's decision to temporarily suspend Fit for the Future.

Mrs Rowe added: "It's very encouraging that the secretary of state has recommended a review because it means he can see there is a case to be answered.

"But we are unhappy it has been postponed because it means this is still an anxious time for the staff and patients at St Richard's."

Two weeks ago the Observer revealed a merger was on the cards which would give both hospitals equal status. It would also mean St Richard's could keep its under-threat maternity, trauma and full A&E services.

On Monday a meeting of the West Sussex Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee heard the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP) recommended to Alan Johnson the need for a full investigation into the healthcare proposals after initial findings suggested a need for a review. But this will not be carried out until the merger talks between Trusts have been concluded.

Joint committee spokesman Cllr Andrew Barrett-Miles said: "If the merger goes ahead and a new trust is formed, it will be for the PCT and new trust to review the Fit for the Future proposals and present any changes to the original decision to the joint committee for consideration.

"If the plans for hospital services are unchanged, the joint committee will need to decide whether to re-activate the referral.

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