An MP has met hospital bosses for assurances over the future of services following the announcement that part of the site would be sold.

Hornsey and Wood Green MP Lynne Featherstone met management at the Whittington Hospital last week to find out more about how the planned closure and sale of part of the site will affect services for patients.

Joined by Lib Dem councillor David Winskill, the MP said the hospital had given assurances no services would be lost during the reorganisation of the hospital until equal or better alternatives are in place.

Last month The Whittington Health Trust announced part of the site in Magdala Avenue would be sold, with inpatient wards closed and the maternity unit scaled back.

Mrs Featherstone said: “It is such a shame that the board did not engage properly with their staff, local politicians and local residents. They should have done this from day one.

“I have met with the board, and in response they have given assurances that no services will be lost until equal or better replacement services are in place.

“Though very late, these assurances are welcome. The board's task is now to convince the public through an extensive engagement programme.”

The sell-off is part of the hospital's plans to become foundation trust. The trust says there will be a large about of investment over the next five years.

This includes £10 million on maternity services, £2.9 million on a new assessment centre for those who do not require hospital admission and £1.9 million investment in a new education centre.