CASH-strapped health chiefs could axe all 91 in-patient beds at community hospitals in Romsey and the New Forest.

New Forest Primary Care Trust, which is almost £8m in the red, is reviewing the future of the five cottage hospitals in the area.

One of the five options under discussion would involve closing all the beds and treating patients in nursing homes or their own houses.

Campaigners say they fear the move would also result in the loss of out-patient units at each of the hospitals.

The review has angered New Forest East MP Julian Lewis, who is already fighting the recent closure of all 20 beds at the Fenwick Hospital, Lyndhurst.

Trust officials say the move is temporary, but protesters have raised a 2,000-signature petition.

Supporters of the Forest's four other community hospitals at Hythe, Fordingbridge, Milford and Romsey could soon have a similar fight.

Dr Lewis said: "The future of in-patient care in all our community hospitals is under attack. I intend to fight this tooth and nail."

Brian Dash, Liberal Democrat candidate for New Forest East in next month's general election, said: "I regard this as completely outrageous. I appreciate that the trust is in financial trouble, but that must not lead to a reduction in the service."

Stephen Roberts, Labour candidate for New Forest East, was unavailable to comment.

The five options are outlined in the trust's 50-page community services strategy. It says: "Many buildings are not fit for the purpose of providing modern health care and require considerable investment to bring them up to the required standard."

The review has sparked fears that some hospitals could close.

Bill Bray, chairman of Friends of Fordingbridge Hospital, said it would be a "disaster" for the town if the in-patient beds were axed.

If beds across the Forest are closed, people too ill to be treated at home would be looked after in nursing homes.

Trust bosses have vowed to carry out a major public consultation exercise before making any changes.