IT was one of the biggest protest campaigns ever mounted in Hampshire.

Health bosses sparked outrage by devising plans to axe beds at the New Forest’s community hospitals and treat elderly patients at home.

Backed by the area’s two MPs, protesters took to the streets and raised a petition signed by more than 40,000 people.

NHS chiefs eventually backed down and announced that hardly any of the beds would close.

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Now, in a move that could re-open the debate about the role of the community hospitals, health secretary Andy Burnham has called on the NHS to provide more care in people’s homes.

Mr Burnham said: “The time has come for the NHS to make a decisive shift in providing more care out of hospitals.”

The minister argued that integrating health services into the local community could save the NHS £2.7 billion a year.

“We can safely do far more in the patient’s home, and at a local level, than we could before,” added Mr Burnham.

The Audit Commission is calling for a similar approach.

Michael O’Higgins, the commission’s chairman, referred to Britain’s ageing population and cited the financial burden faced by local authorities and other organisations.

He said: “Most older people live at home, not in care homes. And the longer they do the happier they are and the less they cost the taxpayer.

“Innovative, personalised services mean older people stay independent longer, saving public money.”

An NHS Hampshire spokesman said: “We are currently working closely with our community providers to explore how best to deliver more health services in the community and in a way that will meet the needs of residents across Hampshire.

“It’s a key objective of our commissioning strategy to support community health services in delivering more out-of-hospital care.”