People with an opinion on plans to axe services at King George Hospital are being given the chance to speak directly to the panel which will help decide its future.

The independent reconfiguration panel, a body made up of 17 people with a background in healthcare, will visit the hospital in Barley Lane, Goodmayes, as it examines plans to close its A&E and labour ward.

In a letter, panel chairman Dr Peter Barrett said his team wanted to hear from “all interested parties in north east London, particularly those who have new evidence to offer or feel their voice has not been heard, including patients, local residents, local authority representatives, interest groups, clinicians and other staff.”

It has until July 22 to report the findings of its full review to Secretary of State for Heath Andrew Lansley.

Mr Lansley, who last month ordered the full review into the Health for North East London (HfNEL) proposals, will make the final decision on whether to pull the plug on the plans.

HfNEL say no changes will take place at King George until Queen’s is ready to deal with the extra demand.