Union leaders claim the job losses will affect patient care

Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, which runs Birmingham's City Hospital, is trying to pay off a �20m debt.

Union leaders said patient care would suffer as a result of the job losses but bosses have said it is the only option to clear their finances.

They have promised to fight further job cuts. The trust also runs Sandwell and Rowley Regis hospitals.

Esther Lowe, from health union Unison, said: "This is an inner city area, care for patients is paramount, our professional staff know that - they care very much about what happens to patient services.

"Unfortunately I think they are going to suffer."

Stephen Mole, who lost his job working in security in the accident and emergency department, said: "You give your all to the NHS and you feel there is no loyalty, no back up, you're just a number."