UP to 130 beds are set to be cut in a bid to balance the books at East Lancashire's cash-strapped hospitals.

Health bosses today admitted that waiting lists could grow as a result of the move, initially for four months, but pledged that patient care would remain their top priority.

They also revealed that patients and staff would have to start buying from vending machines -- because late night catering is also being scrapped.

The decision was today greeted with dismay by patient representatives and MPs -- who said it was vital the beds were brought back as soon as possible.

Richard Gildert, acting chief executive of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said 130 beds -- almost 10 per cent of the total currently in use -- had been earmarked for cuts to help the authority overcome its £5.5million debt.

If some beds are saved from the cuts, planned for January to April, other savings will need to be found.

Bosses had hoped to clear a £3.9million overspend from the end of the last financial year with a package of efficiency savings described by Mr Gildert as 'draconian'.

But seven months into the current financial year the debt has worsened -- and could be as high as £6million by end of March.

Plans include removing dozens of beds from all five of the trust's hospitals -- Blackburn Royal Infirmary, Queen's Park Hospital, Burnley General Hospital, Pendle Community Hospital and Rossendale General Hospital. The plans do not include Accrington Victoria, which is run by the local Primary Care Trust.

Mr Gildert said: "These proposals are still being discussed so we don't know exactly which we will implement.

"We hope that by reducing the number of beds in some wards we can reduce our costs for employing agency staff, which are very high.

"There may well be some impact on waiting lists but patients care is our top priority. We are confident we can see the same number of patients but with fewer beds, because the extra attention medical staff can give them will speed things up.

"By no means is this ideal, but we have to do all we can to break even. We have tried everything else, including draconian efficiency savings, but we need to make this push.

"Patient care remains our number one priority."

The Royal College of Nursing and Unison, the two groups which represent many of the staff at the hospitals, are talking to their members about the cuts.

Around £800,000 has been spent so far using temporary staff and the hospital is already in danger of breaching the Government's six month waiting list target -- even before beds go.

Mollie Manthorpe, chairman of the East Lancashire Patients' Forum, said: "Our concern is that once you take something away, it is very hard to get it back.

"We've spoken to the hospital about this and they will show us their final proposals. There is a real concern about impact on waiting lists and the possibility of patients being hurried home."

Coun Tony Humphrys, chairman of Blackburn with Darwen Council's health overview and scrutiny committee, said: "Now that we have been informed of the proposals, we will be keeping a close eye on what happens. It isn't ideal by any means."

East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust was created in 2003 following the area's two hospital trusts. Both were considered successful, and although the new Trust did take on some debt left by the Burnley trust, only small sums were involved. Hyndburn MP Greg Pope said: "I'm at a loss to where this debt has come from. We are seeing more money go into the NHS than ever before.

"I have real concerns about cutting bed numbers because that will impact on patients. I will be monitoring it closely and talking to the Trust."

Burnley MP Peter Pike said: ""I am aware of this problem. I know the Trust are doing everything they can to minimise the effect of solving the financial problems on patients. I shall be keeping a close eye on this situation."