A ward at a Plymouth hospital is being closed in the New Year because Royal Navy nurses who work there are going on a military exercise.

The news follows the announcement of plans to close another ward at Derriford Hospital for three months to help cut costs.

Health watchdogs warn patients face longer waiting lists if military personnel are eventually called up in any action against Iraq.

Hospital managers have said they will redeploy nursing staff from the closed wards to cover shortages in other areas of Derriford.

If things do develop in the Gulf, then it's going to have implications Mike Storey

Stonehouse Ward, which is staffed by naval personnel, will be closed to for two weeks in January.

This is because they will be training aboard the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Argus for two weeks.

But if UK forces are to be used in any military action against Iraq, staff could be away for even longer.

The Plymouth Community Health Council has raised concerns about this.

Mike Storey of the council said: "Because they [hospital managers] are so desperately pressed, any call on the military is quite serious for them.

Seriously inconvenienced

"And furthermore, if things do develop in the Gulf, then obviously it's going to have implications later in the year."

Managers have already announced one ward, which is used for day care surgery, will be shut for three months from January.

The action has been taken because of nurse shortages, a �7m overspend and the continuing effects of the Norwalk Virus at the hospital.

Hospital Chief Executive Paul Roberts said he was aware staff would be seriously inconvenienced and is asking for their help and support in making the arrangements work.