A coalition of staff groups and health organisations has been formed to oppose a health authority's plans to save pounds6m over three years.

More than a dozen groups have agreed to campaign against proposals in Bedfordshire HA's service and financial framework, which have been subject to public consultation.

The protesters claim that the measures - which include savings of pounds800,000 at Bedford Hospital, pounds750,000 cuts in health visiting and community services, a review of two community

hospitals and pounds800,000 cuts in contracts outside Bedfordshire - represent 'a major threat to the local NHS'.

North Bedfordshire community health council has lodged a formal complaint about the service framework.

It has also referred to ministers the HA's decision not to consult on some specific proposals, including the cut in contracts outside Bedfordshire.

The HA says that it has modified its plans 'as a result of the views expressed on the outline proposals'.

Next month it is planning to issue consultation documents on a range of issues, including the future of district nursing services and the two local hospitals.