THE future of the Fenwick Hospital, Lyndhurst, was still uncertain today after health chiefs met to debate a £8m black hole in their finances.

Members of the New Forest Primary Care Trust described the closure of all 20 beds at the hospital as temporary - but did not say when they would re-open.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the beds were shut in February and inpatient services transferred to other hospitals in the district. Protesters, pictured left, have campaigned vigorously to keep the hospital open.

The future of the Fenwick was one of the items discussed at the trust's board meeting yesterday.

Chief executive John Richards said: "This temporary move is working very well and is ensuring the safety and quality of patient services.

"New Forest people who need inpatient services are still receiving them, but at other local community hospitals."

His announcement received a mixed reaction from Maureen Holding, the district council's representative on the trust.

Cllr Holding, Cabinet member for health and social inclusion, said a petition opposing the closure of the beds had been signed by more than 2,000 people.

She added: "I welcome the fact that services have continued in a good way.

"However, the people of Lyndhurst are very concerned about the future of their hospital and want to see the beds re-opened as soon as possible."

As reported in yesterday's Daily Echo, the trust is facing a deficit of £7.7m.

Cllr Holding said she was "appalled" at the cash crisis confronting the body that runs the Forest's hospitals, doctors' surgeries and dental practices.

She added: "We are going to have to reduce our capacity and our facilities because the money just isn't there.

"This is going to affect everything we do - and it's going to affect people."