Doctors calling for A&E and maternity unit closures in south west London hospitals have predicted public campaigns against their plans.

One of St Helier, St George's in Tooting, Kingston and Mayday in Croydon is set to be downgraded over the next five years in a huge shake up of the area's health services - prompted by the Better Services Better Value (BSBV) review.

Today Mr Mike Bailey, consultant urologist and a spokesman for the programme, said: "Clearly there will be a save our hospitals campaign at each one."

But, he said, during public consultations he had been struck by how ready patients were to consider changes and closures.

BSBV, led by doctors, nurses and other health professionals, is tasked with redesigning healthcare in South London.

The recommendations, most of which were published today and will be consulted on later this year, include the concentration of A&E and maternity services - although a new urgent care centre, for treating less serious injuries and conditions, could be created.

Those behind BSBV argue a higher standard of care can be provided with three maternity and A&E units instead of four.