He warns patients' lives may be put at risk if services are transferred elsewhere.

The Pilgrim Hospital, in Boston, treated 80,000 accident and emergency patients, more than any other hospital in Lincolnshire.

However a review of local NHS services has created concern that specialist medical services may be transferred.

It would not be acceptable to move some of the services to either Lincoln or Peterborough Mark Simmonds, MP

Conservative MP for Boston and Skegness, Mark Simmonds, says this would result in unacceptable travel times for patients.

"Travel is a big issue in a rural community.

"It would not be acceptable to move some of the services to either Lincoln or Peterborough, which are very great distances away."

Mr Simmonds is due to raise his concerns with the government at Westminster on Thursday night.

The review and its recommendations on future NHS provision in Lincolnshire will be published in the spring.

The local NHS trust says the review is about improving care, not cutting back services.