Health bosses have been slammed for snubbing a public meeting over the future of a north Cumbrian hospital.

Brampton cottage hospital campaigners had invited a representative of the so-called Success Regime to attend last night's event and explain why they were considering closing their beds.

But when they failed to show John Holland, chairman of the hospital's League of Friends group, branded it "disgraceful".

Instead an empty chair, labelled 'Success Regime' was placed on the stage during the meeting, at William Howard School, which was attended by more than 200 residents from the local area.

The Success Regime has been set up by the Government to lead radical changes to the north Cumbrian NHS, which has a total deficit of about £85m and other deep-rooted problems.

It has to date put forward a range of options, which include closing some or all of north Cumbria's community hospitals.

Instead the body suggests more care could be provided in people's homes, or beds could be centralised on fewer sites. Either way, the beds in Brampton are among those most at risk.

Mr Holland branded such proposals as "uncosted, impractical and potentially massively-damaging".

And he does not believe it is just the beds under threat.

"We believe they are trying to get rid of the hospital," he said. "They haven't said so, but they also haven't said about what services they plan to put in this empty, bed-less hospital."

The Success Regime's proposal to base a new helicopter in the county to serve rural areas was also slammed as a waste of money.

Many residents used the meeting to share their own personal stories of how the hospital has helped elderly relatives regain their independence after a fall. And they pointed out that these people would have otherwise had to remain in Carlisle's under pressure Cumberland Infirmary for several more weeks - blocking much-needed beds.

Concerns were also expressed about the extra pressure closing beds would place on local GPs, social services and families.

One female resident said: "Often when people are discharged they are being looked after by people who are themselves elderly and frail.

"This is about the human cost rather than balance sheet costs. Health isn't just about balance sheets."

David Moorat, also of the League of Friends, added: You are right. Their health then deteriorates and you end up with two patients instead of one. They are making the problem worse."

Concerns were also expressed about how much nursing time - and cost - would be wasted travelling between homes in the huge rural community that Brampton hospital serves.

Local county councillor Lawrence Fisher added: "It's all very well visiting people in their own homes but what about in winter when it snows and you can't get through? Is that what they want this helicopter for?"

Residents are now uniting to plan their next move ahead of the Success Regime publishing its formal options later in the summer.

To date more than 1,100 people have signed a petition to save Brampton hospital.