Staff at a Cornwall hospital say they are concerned not enough is being done to maintain anaesthetic cover. West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance currently only has 24-hour anaesthetic cover until September.
Sickness and one anaesthetist retiring means that the hospital's five posts are not all filled.
St Ives MP Andrew George said staff had told him they were concerned. The health trust said it was trying its best to fill the posts.
The Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust said there were currently five consultant anaesthetic posts at the hospital.
Two are covered full-time, but two anaesthetists are on a long-term sick rota and cannot be on call, and one doctor has retired.
MP Andrew George said: "I'm very concerned. It could be very significant for the future of the hospital.
"We have been aware that filling many vacancies has been an issue, but we haven't had evidence that the trust has been trying very hard to fill those vacancies.
"Staff I have talked to confidentially about the matter are not convinced that the trust is doing enough to find a solution."
No locums
Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust Medical Director Dr Rob Pitcher said: "We have advertised several times for anaesthetists and have also advertised for NHS locums, but have been unable to get those either.
"It's recognised that there is a national shortage of anaesthetists. They can look around the country see what jobs are available and make a choice of where to go.
"They may have concerns about a job only working at West Cornwall Hospital and the range of work done there is less attractive than jobs elsewhere."
Emergency cover at the hospital has come under the spolight several times in recent years.
In 2002, more than 15,000 people marched to show their anger at plans to reduce accident and emergency cover.
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Only working at West Cornwall Hospital and the range of work done there is less attractive than jobs elsewhere
