Campaigners left feeling frustrated after a drop-in session on Wednesday night about health service changes which could see Epsom Hospital losing its accident and emergency and maternity units.

The well-attended meeting at Bourne Hall, Ewell, was part of the ongoing Better Services, Better Value (BSBV) review of healthcare in south-west London, Epsom and surrounding areas.

Epsom Hospital became caught up in the review following the collapse of its proposed merger with Ashford and St Peter’s Hospital last year.

Many residents objected to the hospital being pushed into the review at such a late stage and because its primary focus is south-west London, not Surrey.

At last night's event residents and patients joined discussions at different tables on a wide range of subjects.

These included urgent care, accident and emergency, planned care, maternity and children’s services, out-of-hospital care, long-term conditions, end-of-life care, and transport.

But Epsom Hospital campaigner Rosemary Najim, who sat at the table discussing maternity and paediatrics, said she came away feeling as if their minds had already been made up.

Ms Najim said: "We felt that it seemed as if decisions had already been made.

"The lead person said because Epsom is part of a London trust there is nothing to be done about it."

Campaigner Bob Mackison, who sat at the transport table for part of the meeting, said the large turnout showed the strength of feeling but there was not enough space or BSBV representatives given the numbers.

Mr Mackison said: "They did not have up-front information. It’s all stuff we have come across already.

"It’s a little bit sad really. I think last night the BSBV message came out again."

He added: "The feeling is everybody is in favour of having Epsom on its own, not BSBV. They are not taking the message on board."

Before the drop-in session, Dr Simon Williams, a Surrey GP and leading member of the BSBV’s clinical team, said: "This is a chance for local people to come and hear about the case for change and talk to the doctors who are running the review about the proposals.

"People will be able to ask questions and voice any concerns so we can consider these ahead of the public consultation later in the spring."