Obstetrics and paediatrics are under review at Epsom General Hospital

The plans are for all doctor-led births and overnight paediatric services to be centralised at St Helier Hospital, in Carshalton, south London.

Epsom General Hospital, in Surrey, would retain pre-natal and post-natal care and a children's assessment unit.

MP Chris Grayling is leading a campaign opposing the maternity changes.

The Conservative MP for Epsom and Ewell labelled the decision to proceed with public consultation as "disgusting".

"This is a huge kick in the teeth for Epsom hospital and its staff," Mr Grayling said.

'About safety'

Despite large-scale opposition the changes could be in place by April 2008.

Mr Grayling said a public meeting was now planned on 20 June, as part of attempts to make Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust keep Epsom's inpatient maternity and paediatrics units open.

But the trust's Dr Ruth Charlton said: "This is about safety.

"If we don't change, services will become unsafe. If they are unsafe they will need to close."

And acting chief executive Patricia Wright added: "We recognise that for many people these changes will be unsettling, but we must take action now."

The provision of emergency and trauma surgery at the two hospitals has previously been changed.