MORE than 100 people protested at the closure of up to half their local hospital's beds last night.

In the first of a series of consultation meetings to be held across the county, health chiefs were given a grilling by members of the public, councillors and local MP Evan Harris at Abingdon's Guildhall.

Mr Harris, Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, said he was furious with the two suggested proposals, which the Oxfordshire Community Health NHS Trust hope will save £1.5m.

One is to close Burford and Watlington hospitals, as well as cut beds at Abingdon from 54 to 30. The suggested alternative is to close Burford and the day hospital at Wallingford and reduce the number of beds at Abingdon by six.

Dr Harris said the problem was down to a lack of funding. There were loud cheers as he said: "We have to all rise and say we mustn't let this happen."

Jill Rodney, chief executive of the trust, was challenged when she claimed that ten beds at Abingdon had been unfilled while the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford was on red alert two weeks ago. Stan Avis said a GP who was trying to get his seriously ill 97-year-old mother admitted to either the John Radcliffe or Abingdon was told both were full.

Michael Taylor, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire Health Authority, said the money had to be saved in some way - and an equally painful alternative would have to be found if the community hospital cuts were rejected.

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