A campaigner attempting to save two wards at a hospital was left disappointed after it was decided not to make a referral to the Secretary of State at a council meeting.

Helen Zammett made the calls once more at yesterday’s health scrutiny committee meeting after claiming that Redbridge Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) failed to provide sufficient evidence to close the Heronwood and Galleon wards at Wanstead Hospital.

The wards at the Makepeace Road site, which provide intermediate care for people leaving hospital after operations, are set to be closed, with beds across Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham centralised at King George Hospital, Barley Lane, Goodmayes.

Last week, Cllr Mark Santos, cabinet member for health and social care, said: “I’m confident it’s been looked at fully. We have been robust in our challenge and seeking assurances.

“I’m sure there will be some people that will be disappointed but it would appear there’s no evidence for us to make such a referral.”