'This meeting highlights the very real concern, felt across the county, that the NHS in Suffolk will face cutbacks of services.'

David Ruffley MP is to hold a crisis meeting with Suffolk's Clergy and Richard Spring MP to discuss the state of the County's health service. The meeting will be held on Friday 13 January at Christ Church, Moreton Hall, Bury St Edmunds.

The latest figures obtained by David Ruffley show the dire financial state of Suffolk's health trusts:

• Suffolk West PCT- Projected deficit for 2005/06 £13.7 million. Brought Forward Debt £9 million.

• West Suffolk Hospital NHS Trust- Projected deficit for 2005/06 £11.5 million of which £9 million is historic deficit.

• Central Suffolk PCT- Projected deficit for 2005/06 £4.2 million including £1 million loan to be repaid to the SHA and £1.1 million of previous overspend.

• Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust- Projected deficit for 2005/06 £4.7 million.

Proposals put forward by health authorities in Suffolk this year have included:

• Axing 55 beds and two theatres at West Suffolk Hospital

• Axing 80 beds, one theatre and a Patient Hotel at Ipswich Hospital

• Closing Walnuttree Hospital in Sudbury

• Closing the Hayward Day Hospital.

• Closing the Old Fox House, Stowmarket and Bridge House, Ipswich.

• Closing an inpatient ward at Wedgewood House, Bury St Edmunds.

• Don't pay NHS staff in March 2006- This has resulted in Combs Ford Surgery in Stowmarket saying it may be forced to close for a month.

David said:

'The health service in Suffolk is facing a full-on crisis. Services are in meltdown, beds are being cut and vital facilities are scheduled to close.

'This meeting highlights the very real concern, felt across the County, that the NHS in Suffolk will face cutbacks of services.

'Historical financial management within our regions health trusts raise serious questions. The Government's 'turnaround team' awarded Suffolk West PCT a top ranking in their report which means things look 'relatively well under control'. This is a Trust that is heading for being £14 million in the red and is axing services across west Suffolk. Once again this Government is turning its back on the problems facing rural areas.

'Mental Health facilities in Stowmarket and Ipswich are at risk and now we hear that Combs Ford Surgery may have to reduce its services in the Spring. How many more will follow?

'These are troubled times for the NHS and I welcome the opportunity to talk with Suffolk's Clergy about the problems their parishioners are facing and hear what they have to say.'