Winchester'S health boss today gave reassurances about the future of the accident and emergency department at the city hospital.

The move comes in response to concerns over a review that has been commissioned into the way surgical services are provided across Hampshire.

There is concern in Winchester that the A&E unit at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital may fall victim to a reorganisation in the long term.

The health authorities have launched a six-month review of emergency surgical services provided in Southampton and Winchester as part of Beyond HealthFit that was launched in 2002.

It could mean patients from Winchester travelling to Southampton for operations and visa versa.

Rod Halls, the chief executive of the Winchester and Eastleigh NHS Healthcare trust, said: "Winchester A&E is not threatened. It has never been busier or more successful. We are hitting targets and the staff are doing a marvellous job."

"The review is looking at how surgical services are provided between the two hospitals. We may do more of a certain type of operation and Southampton do more of another. It's an opportunity not a threat."

A consultant clinical director is being appointed to look at ways of working closer together.

Heath bosses are also under pressure from the European Working Time Directive which limits the hours that doctors can work and which will hit smaller hospitals such as the RHCH.

Meanwhile the health authority is also battling to help cut a massive funding deficit.

In June county councillor Raymond Ellis, chairman of the council health review committee, wrote to Gareth Cruddace, chief executive of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Strategic Health Authority. He said: "The financial challenges facing the local health economy are however significant and it is clear that action will have to be taken to address the underlying financial deficit of £50 million."