UNION chiefs have pledged to fight any redundancies at South-ampton's hospitals.

Branch officials and members of the public services union Unison held meetings following yesterday's ann-ouncement that up to 99 jobs could go, as reported in later editions of the Daily Echo.

Regional secretary Phil Wood said: "We have already been in discussions with hospital bosses about the re-deployment of staff within the trust but no redundancies were mentioned.

"The NHS should not deal with its problems by getting rid of staff but recruiting more to get rid of backlogs."

Mr Wood's comments come after Southampton Hospitals NHS Trust said 200 posts must be axed before April next year to help save £15m.

While most of the people in these posts will be redeployed elsewhere in the trust, between 20 and 99 staff could be made redundant before April next year.

However, chief executive Mike Hackett said he hoped the figure would be nearer 20 once talks were held with different departments, unions and staff.

The possible staff cuts come after 150 posts, filled by temporary and agency staff, were removed earlier this year.

In another major cutback, hospital bosses look set to close 100 beds, with four wards at Southampton General and the Royal South Hants affected.

About 100 staff will be affected by these cuts and redeployed within the trust or wider health community.

The closures include 25 beds at a nurse led unit, 25 beds at a medicine and elderly ward and an orthopaedic ward with 26 beds.

Unveiling the proposals, which are expected to be agreed at a board meeting on Tuesday, hospital bosses said elderly patients who use some of the beds could be better cared for in smaller community hospitals or with social services support.

Health bosses also want to increase the number of orthopaedic operations without an overnight stay.

Chris Perry, director of Age Concern Hampshire, said it made sense to treat elderly rehabilitation patients in smaller community hospitals.

"It can make it easier for friends and family to visit them," he said.

"But the only caveat I would like to see is an assurance that there are enough beds."

Brian Skinner, chief executive of Southampton Primary Care Trust, which runs community hospitals, said extra services would be developed.

"We will be developing our community hospitals and providing more services to Southampton people," he said.

Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead added: "The hospital is trying to make greater use of community hospitals.

I think it is a good idea if the numbers add up and there are enough resources for patients.

So far this year the trust has managed to save £11.3m.