Orpington Hospital

The public consultation into the future of Orpington Hospital is due to start on Monday, despite concerns of health campaigners.

The Times reported last week that patient groups had called for the process to be halted because of uncertainty at debt-saddled South London Healthcare Trust.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has begun the process of appointing an administrator at the trust – the first time a government has taken such drastic action against an NHS body.

Campaigner Julie Mott said: “How can we go ahead asking people what services they want when we are not in control of them? It’s farcical.”

The consultation is considering the option of closing the hospital.

An NHS south east London spokesman said: “People will be able to respond by post and online. We want to give people a range of ways to have their say.”

To see the consultation documents,visit www.selondon.nhs.uk/orpingtonconsultation.