A GP has hit back at claims changes to hospital services in north London will put lives at risk.

Enfield North MP Nick de Bois last night said in Parliament the proposed changes at North Middlesex, Barnet, and Chase Farm hospitals could “cost lives” if implemented.

But Dr Mayur Gor, a Haringey GP and one of the supporters of the changes, replied: “This strategy aims to save lives, not cost them.”

He argued the strategy has received the backing of senior clinicians at the hospitals, local GPs, and other health officials, and added: “The BEH Clinical Strategy is essential if we are to improve services for patients in Barnet, Enfield, Haringey and south Hertfordshire.”

The rows and debates are bound to rumble on after NHS London approved the plans last week, given the green light for the changes to be implemented.

However, campaigners are still hanging their hopes on health secretary Andrew Lansley stepping in and stopping the changes.