The five GPs, joined by a protester from Talgarth, Powys, started at Bronllys Hospital, near Brecon, early on Tuesday and aim to finish at the Welsh assembly by Wednesday morning.

They hope to arrive at the same time as a protest in Cardiff Bay in support of hospitals around Wales.

Powys Local Health Board (LHB) said it had to put patients before buildings.

We could even take a nap in the bed in a lay-by Dr James Wrench

The LHB is facing a �3.5m deficit and it has proposed cuts at Llanidloes, Knighton, Bronllys and Builth Wells hospitals.

But campaigners believe the hospitals will close if the services are cut.

The action group Chant (Community Hospitals Acting Nationally Together) will protest outside the assembly at midday on Wednesday. It claims many more smaller hospitals throughout Wales are under threat.

Busloads of campaigners from around Wales are expected to demonstrate outside the Senedd in Cardiff Bay.

Dr James Wrench, of Haygarth surgery in Talgarth, said he hoped the end of the bed push would coincide with the start of Chant's demo.

The push is due to finish in Cardiff Bay on Wednesday

Dr Wrench is being joined by Dr Richard Walters of Builth and Llanwrtyd Medical Practice, retired GP Alan Crossley, Dr Andy Rayesford of Llanidloes practice, and Talgarth resident Matt Morris.

"We expect to push the hospital bed for about 50 miles," said Dr Wrench.

"We may even push the bed through the night, depending on how well we're doing. We could even take a nap in the bed in a lay-by."

In response, Powys LHB chief executive Andy Williams said he understood people's concerns.

"However it is important to remember that we have modernised a range of services in recent years with great success," he said.

"Our duty is to continue to provide the right services and treatments to meet the changing needs and demands of the 130,000 people who live in Powys.

"This means putting patient treatments, medicines and staff before buildings."

The bed push is the latest demonstration in Powys.

Last Thursday, nearly 500 people attended a passionate public meeting in Builth Wells.