URGENT talks were demanded today over the threatened closure of Bury's two main hospitals.

A major review of hospital services in Bury and Rochdale which was published yesterday reveals the towns' four main hospitals could be closed and patients may be sent to outlying districts for all in-patient treatment.

This is one of the most drastic proposals contained in a far reaching report aimed at streamlining services and improving patient care across the two boroughs.

Reacting angrily to the review, Bury's two prospective parliamentary Labour candidates David Chaytor and Ivan Lewis were today seeking a top level meeting with health bosses from Bury and Rochdale Health Authority. The proposal could ultimately mean the axe would fall on Bury General, Fairfield General, Rochdale Infirmary and Birch Hill and a series of health centres would deal with minor injuries and surgery.

Major emergencies and patients requiring operations would have to travel to North Manchester General, Oldham, Bolton and other major hospitals.

In a statement issued by Bury and Rochdale Health Authority the Chief Executive Mr Richard Popplewell said: "The Health Authority is extremely disappointed that one of the more radical options of the 27 has been highlighted in the press in an alarmist manner.

"Any worry and confusion caused by this article is to be regretted." Mr Popplewell said the closure was the most extreme of the 27 options set down for discussion in a series of workshops which are being planned involving discussions with Trusts, Community Health Councils and local authorities.

The health authority has promised a full public consultation .

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