Emergency care such as A&E could be stripped from scores of hospitals as the NHS centralises key services at fewer sites.

But many believe the moves will eventually lead to complete closures.

One doctor is so outraged by the plans that he is seriously considering standing for parliament to try to save his local hospital.

Dr Barry Monk says doctors have had enough

Dr Barry Monk, like many doctors, is concerned about the future direction of the NHS.

But the Bedford Hospital dermatologist has gone one step further after learning of the latest review of services in the east of England - by threatening to stand as an MP.

Bedford is one of 19 hospitals across the region facing an uncertain future after the East of England Strategic Health Authority said it was considering centralising some of its key services in "super" hospitals.

It could mean that Bedford, which serves 300,000 people, loses some of its more high-profile services such as A&E and intensive care.

I have had a lot of support from patients and the community. If I run, I am sure I will win Dr Barry Monk

The hospital's bosses have said it will not mean closure of the site, but Dr Monk still fears the worst.

He has already registered "Save Bedford Hospital" as a political party.

Dr Monk, who has worked at Bedford Hospital for the last 19 years, said: "The problem is that once you start taking services, the rest just withers away. I can see a point where the hospital just ceases to operate.

"Doctors are fed up with this constant meddling in the health service and my message to politicians is that if they won't stop interfering in the NHS, we will start interfering with the cosy world of politics.

Fight

"I would love to say I am not standing, because that would mean Bedford was safe. But until we know that is the case I will carry on fighting.

"Taking services away is not in the best interests of patients or the local community. Doctors are not against change, in fact we have been at the forefront of many, it is just that I don't see that this is a positive move."

Dr Monk would not the first doctor to stand for election on the back of a campaign to save the local hospital.

Dr Richard Taylor won a place in parliament in the 2001 election after opposing plans to downgrade Kidderminster Hospital.

And Dr Monk believes he will get a similar result if he does run.