TWO of the first babies born at a Hampshire cottage hospital, both now in their 80s, are to protest at a decision to shut all 20 beds there.

Bettine Radcliffe, 82, the first baby delivered at the Fenwick Hospital in Lyndhurst, and Richard Galton, 80, one of the first boys born at the hospital, said they were appalled and upset by the sudden closure.

Health chiefs announced that the inpatients department at the Fenwick was to shut down amid a £9.8m cash crisis less than a fortnight ago.

Within just a few days all patients and staff had been moved to other units across the district as part of a three-month trial measure.

Both Mrs Radcliffe and Mr Galton have vowed to write to the authorities to voice their concerns.

Mrs Radcliffe, of The Meadows, Lyndhurst, said: "We are appalled by the suddenness of the announcement. It has meant so much to the people of Lyndhurst and this is the thin edge of the wedge. We feel the very life of the Fenwick Hospital is threatened."

Mr Galton is one of three generations to be born at the Fenwick, along with his daughter Pauline and grandson James.

He said: "I am proud of my own association with the Fenwick. This came out of the blue, and we are most upset that a warning wasn't given. Now that it has gone, I have no doubt that it won't come back."

The drastic decision was taken after bosses imposed restrictions on employing bank and agency staff to save money.

As a result there were not enough staff to cover the wards at the New Forest's five community hospitals.

The Fenwick's other services - which include outpatient clinics and a minor injuries unit - are still operating.

The hospital was purpose-built in 1908 by George John Fenwick, "to the glory of God and for the benefit of the suffering poor of Lyndhurst and neighbourhood".

Last year a recently refurbished and extended day room closed. The hospital's physiotherapy unit closed in 2003 and its maternity department closed some years ago.

Mrs Radcliffe, former chairman of the Fenwick League of Friends, is extremely concerned about the huge amounts of money raised over the years. Less than two years ago, the Fenwick underwent a £328,000 refurbishment, which included a major contribution from the organisation.

"We all feel that all that time and effort spent raising all that money has been wasted. It's hundreds of thousands of pounds thrown away," she said.

Yvonne Le Brun, deputy chief executive of the New Forest Primary Care Trust, will attend a meeting of Lyndhurst Parish Council to discuss the temporary closure of the Fenwick at Appletree Court tonight, starting at 7.15pm.