South London Healthcare Trust’s special administrator Matthew Kershaw has been asked to consider extending the consultation period on his recommendations about future healthcare arrangements for the region.

Bromley Council leader Councillor Stephen Carr wrote to Mr Kershaw after a full council meeting where councillors agreed they had insufficient time to form a proper, considered response before the consultation is set to close on December 13.

And a representative from the special administrator’s office has been invited to a meeting of the policy development and scrutiny meeting at the Civic Centre on December 4.

In the letter to Mr Kershaw, Cllr Carr wrote: “We are genuinely worried that there will be very little time following these meetings, and the completion of the NHS’ own public meetings on this matter, for us to crystallise our views before the consultation period closes on December 13.

"I therefore urge you on behalf of local residents to consider lengthening the period of time allowed for comments to be made about the recommendations thus ensuring that the views you receive are as measured and comprehensive as possible.”