The proposed cut in hospital beds is being linked to more day surgery

The proposal was outlined in a shake-up plan by NHS Greater Glasgow.

The total number at present is 3,378 - but it is believed that between 3,021 and 3,200 will be needed in the future because of the rise in day surgery.

The Glasgow South East Health Forum has voiced concerns that the cuts will mean patients not getting enough time to recover from operations.

Brian Cowan, medical director of NHS Greater Glasgow, called the proposals "difficult and challenging".

He added: "We predict that up to 10,000 more patients could be treated as day patients and would therefore have no need for a bed.

"The proposals show a range of options for bed numbers based on varying levels of efficiency and a number of assumptions about future demand."

Campaigners' fears

Mr Cowan went on: "We want to test with a wider group of clinical colleagues our proposed bed number projections."

The planned cuts would exclude cancer and maternity beds.

However, leaders of the Glasgow South East Health Forum believe patients could be rushed through the system.

And the Royal College of Nursing said it would seek reassurances that care standards be maintained.

The health authority's officials have also unveiled plans for a far-reaching overhaul of A&E casualty services aimed at cutting down the hours spent by patients waiting on trolleys.

Up to 350 beds could be axed as part of a shake-up plan

Fresh state-of-the-art emergency medical units would be provided in an effort to put patients on a "fast track" in the hours immediately after arriving at hospital.

A statement issued by the authority on Tuesday said: "Brand new emergency medical complexes are proposed to ensure that, in the first critical 48 hours after emergency admission to hospital, patients have rapid access to the full range of diagnostic tests.

"The aim is also to ensure they are fast-tracked to the appropriate treatment, cutting down lengthy trolley waits in A&E."

New rehabilitation units would also be opened under the plans, where patients would recover from, for example, hip operations - instead of staying in an orthopaedic ward.