Councillors have vowed to “vigorously oppose” any reduction of services at St Helier Hospital, but warned of unnecessary scaremongering before a decision has been reached.

The hospital is one of four in South West London which could lose its A&E unit if proposals by NHS South West London to close one unit go ahead as part of the Better Services Better Value review.

While no decision has been made, out of the four hospitals only St Helier, which overspent by £12.6m this financial year and must cut £57m by 2016-17, is not expected to be "financially viable" in three years leaving many concerned for its future.

Other hospitals in the firing line are Kingston, St George’s and Mayday.

Speaking at Wednesday night’s council meeting, Labour councillor Peter McCabe (Labour, Ravensbury ward) said: “What is clear is that south-west London NHS faces really difficult financial challenges.

"There’s a big consultation on and I keep hearing people saying there’s no pre determined outcome.

"But as this has gone on it’s been a growing concern of mine that A&E and maternity units are going to be concentrated.

"At a time when the birth rate is growing we are planning to have less maternity units in South West London."

He added: I’m left with this growing concern that the future of St Helier Hospital is really under threat.

"There are some people who will say this is scare mongering.

"As a councillor, it’s my view that if these services are threatened it’s my duty and responsibility to inform my constituents.”

But with a decision yet to be finalised, conservative councillors warned of causing unnecessary anxiety to residents by pre empting the outcome of the review.

Councillor Suzanne Evans (Conservative, Hillside ward) said: “If the current proposals to close one A&E across South West London goes ahead and it turns out St Helier is in the firing line, I will be the first person out protesting and I know we will all join forces.

"But a change of case might be made and I think we should wait and not jump the gun.

“If St Helier does lose its A&E also according to rumour it might gain a care centre which would really turn its dwindling fortunes around.

"I’d like us not to just focus on the doom and gloom but to have a little more balance.”

Residents will be invited to take part in a three month public consultation following any final decisions and on the introduction of any planned care centres.