THE leader of the Liberal Democrats in Bromley has joined a campaign to save beds at Orpington Hospital.

Last week, the News Shopper reported Orpington MP John Horam and Bromley Community Care Protection Group have launched a campaign to save 160 elderly care beds at the hospital.

Bromley Primary Care Trust plans to close the beds but is going through consultation before a final decision.

Councillor Chris Maines said: "We need more beds in the community and I have been meeting regularly with the Community Care Protection Group to discuss this. The recent hospital report shows how important these beds are because trolley waits are so long at Bromley Hospital."

As part of its campaign, Bromley Care Protection Group is surveying 330 GPs and consultants in the borough on whether they think the beds should be saved.

Chairman of the group Maria Goldenberg said: "We have sent out 150 surveys to GPs and 180 to consultants, asking them whether they have had any difficulty getting a bed for a patient and whether they are in favour of keeping beds at Orpington."

What do you think about the plans? Call health reporter Emma Coutts-Wood on 01689 885728.