After the closure of A&E and all other “acute” wards at King George Hospital, it will be left with minor surgery, day care and rehabilitation services.

A Decision-making Business Case dating back to 2010 details a “new vision” for the hospital in Barley Lane, Goodmayes.

It will be a “local hospital” with an urgent care centre, short stay treatments and diagnostics, antenatal and postnatal care and a child health centre.

There will also be planned surgery, cancer day care and stroke rehabilitation services.

Up to 18 per cent of medical and non-medical staff from King George Hospital could be reduced every year as the restructure is implemented.

Most acute procedures and treatment will be carried out at Queen’s Hospital in Romford.

A spokesman for Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust said centralising specialities at different hospitals would reduce waits for patients and improve the quality of care.

But Bob Archer, from the Save King George Hospital campaign, said travelling to Queen’s or alternative hospitals in Newham and central London could be hard for Redbridge residents.

He added: “If people are in for treatment at Queen’s, it’s extremely difficult to get to for them and visitors.

“It takes several bus journeys and can take more than an hour.

“By and large, people are pleased with the service they get at King George and they are devastated every time something gets cut.”

A spokesman for the Redbridge Clinical Commissioning Group said King George would still play an “integral part” in healthcare for residents.

He added: “Patients and local GPs want services that are available closer to home or in the community and our vision for King George Hospital will give us the right premises to deliver these services.

“Our plans are designed to ensure safe, high quality services now and in the future.”

When ward closures and moves have finished, the disused part of the hospital will be sold or rented out.

Cllr Andy Walker said: “My guess is that residents would prefer decent health services to yet another housing development that would put even more strain on the infrastructure.”