A consultation could be held on the possible closure

Andrew George (Lib Dem, St Ives) is opposed to plans being considered by the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust to shut St Michael's Hospital in Hayle.

The Trust is cutting costs and 300 jobs to reduce a potential �31m deficit. A memo leaked to the BBC revealed plans to close St Michael's 70 beds.

Mr George is due to meet with Minister of State Lord Warner on Monday.

He says the hospital provides excellent in and outpatient facilities, and has no record of MRSA infection.

'Full appraisal'

The cost-cutting proposals also include ending emergency work at West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance and creating a nurse-led, minor injuries unit.

The Strategic Health Authority has told managers the debt must not grow beyond �20m by the end of this financial year.

A recovery plan is in place that is designed to save about �9m.

In a statement, the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust said its smaller sites were contributing a "significantly larger proportion" of the overall deficit.

"We must complete a full option appraisal, in conjunction with our clinicians, before any formal consultation and decision on the closure of St Michael's Hospital can be considered," they said.