GPs have extended the consultation date on the proposed closure of Wanstead Hospital by two weeks after the move was criticised.

Redbridge Clinical Commissioning Group (RCCG) wants to close Heronwood and Galleon Unit at Wanstead Hospital in Makepeace Road, Wanstead, and transfer its 48 care beds to King George Hospital in Goodmayes.

Wanstead Hospital's general hospital was closed in 1991, but now the two remaining units are being earmarked for closure.

The consultation period was due to close on October 1 but has now been put back to 5pm on October 15.

Dr. Mehul Mathukia, a local GP and clinical director of integrated care at Redbridge Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We’ve been listening to hundreds of local people at events across the borough and, due to the strength of feeling expressed by some stakeholders, we’re extending the deadline for our consultation.

“Anyone who needs a short stay in one of these rehab beds would still be able to get it, but it makes clinical sense to have the beds in one place and it also means we won’t be wasting taxpayers’ money with empty beds sitting unused in our units, as they are today."

Community group Wanstead and Snaresbrook Residents' Association (WASRA) launched a campaign against the closure and it has organised a public meeting on the proposal at 7.30pm on Wednesday in The George Pub, in High Street, Wanstead .

Member Helen Zammett and Wanstead MP John Cryer have questioned the timing of the consultation period, which was launched when people were going on holiday in July.

Health bosses have also been accused of putting £929,985 savings by closing the hospital ahead of patient care.

RCCG denies these accusations.