Hundreds of people have signed a petition protesting against an Oxford hospital's bid for foundation status.

Campaigners claim the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, in Headington, will act more like a private business and be even less accountable to patients and the public, if it becomes a foundation hospital.

As well as raising public support through a petition, they have organised a public meeting next month, to discuss their concerns.

NOC managers said the criticisms were inaccurate.

Foundation status would give the NOC more control over its policies and finances, they said.

But health union Unison and Labour Party, Socialist Alliance and Green Party members claim the public is not being properly consulted about a system which will lead to a two-tier NHS, allowing the NOC to be less accountable.

John Lister, of the Socialist Alliance, said: "Most people are resentful because they've not been asked about this."

NOC chief executive Ed Macalister-Smith strongly denied the trust was ignoring public opinion before applying for foundation status at the end of the year.

He said: "We're listening to people's views very hard. We've already made some changes due to some of the feedback we've received."

The anti-foundation status meeting will take place at Quarry Village Hall, in Quarry Road, Headington, on Thursday, November 6, at 7.30pm.

The NOC will hold a separate public meeting within the next fortnight.