THE Government has distanced itself from proposals to downgrade Evesham Hospital.

Plans to close two wards at the hospital are being explored at a 'local level', Health Minister Rosie Winterton said.

Her comments came after Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff demanded that Ministers look at the implications of the strategy on county health services.

Mr Luff believes the proposals could be as devastating as the controversial decision to downgrade Kidderminster Hospital.

The furore over the Government's Kidderminster strategy cost Labour its Wyre Forest seat in 2001 and launched the political career of independent campaigner Dr Richard Taylor.

But Ms Winterton refused to be held responsible for proposals to shut down wards at Evesham.

In a Parliamentary written answer, she said: "Decisions about the configuration of local National Health Service services are taken at a local level."

She was responding to a request from Mr Luff for an assessment of the 'likely impact' of the moves.

Mr Luff said: "I'm glad the question has flagged up with Ministers the complete conflict that exists with proposals to downgrade Evesham hospital and the Government's own approach to the NHS."

Hospital staff were told to brace themselves for £4m of cutbacks earlier this month.