The closure of the final ward at Wanstead Hospital has been described as “absolute madness”.

The Redbridge Clinical Commissioning Group on Thursday approved the closure of Heronwood and Galleon rehabilitation wards, with beds centralised at King George Hospital in Goodmayes.

 The overall number of rehab beds in the borough will be reduced from 104 to between 40 and 61 across Redbridge, Havering and Barking and Dagenham, with resources focussed on treating patients at home.

However, there has been strong opposition to the plans from campaigners, councillors and politicians, who claim the quality of care will be affected and expressed concern that the service will only be available between 8am and 10pm.

The consultation has also been heavily criticised by Redbridge Healthwatch, which has called for it to be examined by the Secretary of State for Health after 5,000 signed a petition opposed to the reforms.

Cllr Suzanne Nolan, of Snarebrook Ward, said the decision was a “sad day” for the elderly in Wanstead and Snaresbrook.

 “The decision is absolute madness,” she said.

“I am bitterly disappointed about this outcome.

“Redbridge CCG have shown a total disregard for campaigners and the petition which was signed by over 5,000 people.”

“This is a sad day for the elderly in Snaresbrook and Wanstead and I fear that this has been driven by money rather than patient care.”

The CCG say a new community treatment team (CTT) is a more effective way of delivering care.

Cathy Turland, chief executive of Redbridge Healthwatch, said the consultation, which was previously heavily criticised by Wanstead MP John Cryer, should be independently assessed.

She said: “Whilst we welcome the fact that more people are using the rehabilitation ‘at home’ service, we are still concerned that local people have felt ignored and that the consultation was a ‘paper exercise’ in regards to their wishes.

"We remain unconvinced by the figures provided in regards to community bed usage and dispute the suggestion that there has been a decrease of service usage. We have been told that some patients have felt they have been obstructed in their choice of the services available."

Redbridge CCG has been approached for comment.