Hastings MP Michael Foster has delivered a petition against hospital cuts to the Prime Minister, reports The Argus.
Mr Foster took a delegation from the Friends of Conqest Hospital to meet Tony Blair and present their case along with 40,000 signatures.
It is the second visit in a month by East Sussex MPs.
Eastbourne's Nigel Waterson visited earlier in October to head off plans to downgrade Eastbourne General Hospital.
Mr Foster's visit took place after Prime Minister's Questions yesterday when he accused the Government of "wrong headed" policy.
There are fears for the future of the accident and emergency and maternity units at the Conquest Hospital in St Leonards under proposals being considered by health chiefs.
He told Mr Blair: "We have to persuade you that that policy is wrong. Fundamentally a democracy depends on listening to what people say.
"A 40,000- name petition and 7,000 on the streets of Hastings is not only spectacular but highlights the support for these services."
He argued that emergency and maternity services need to be local for a population which was largely poor and elderly.
The poverty meant many residents do not have their own transport and an ageing population meant there was a greater risk of strokes and heart attacks which require immediate attention, he said.
He argued that the poor infrastructure around Hastings with busy, narrow roads, meant the town was not well equipped for long ambulance journeys.
Initial proposals for service cuts will be made within six weeks which will be followed by a consultation period. Final decision are expected next Spring.
Mr Foster added that he disagreed with suggestions it would either be the Conquest hospital or Eastbourne District Hospital due for cuts.
He said: "There are all sorts of options and both hospitals could keep their key services.
We are by no means undermining Eastbourne."
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