Campaigners have united one year on from when the original decision was made to close a hospital’s A&E and maternity departments.

Residents and councillors met outside King George Hospital, Barley Lane, Little Heath on Saturday to mark the date then health secretary Andrew Lansley gave the green light for the two departments to close.

Cllr Andy Waker, a member of the Save King George Hospital campaign, said: “We were delighted at how many people came out to support calls for a public consultation following the changes in the plans surrounding King George.

“Residents are still interested and concerned about the hospital’s future. There are plans to build an A&E extension at Queen’s Hospital, which would be pointless if there is already a perfectly good hospital here.”

The labour unit at King George is due to close in around April, though there is no official timeline for the A&E’s closure.

Heath chiefs say concentrating care at fewer sites across north east London is best for patients.

For more information on the campaign, visit www.savekinggeorgehospital.blogspot.co.uk.