Orpington Hospital could lose two operating theatres under proposals to shake up NHS services across south-east London, a meeting heard.

The future of the site is unclear, as a consultation called A picture of health runs until April 7.

Health directors were quizzed by members of Age Concern and Carers Bromley at a joint consultation meeting in Bromley Library, last week.

Under the proposals, the Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough, and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich, would concentrate on specialist emergency care while Orpington Hospital is likely to lose its planned surgery as the service is concentrated at Queen Mary’s Sidcup and Lewisham Hospital.

All four sites would have an urgent care centre, dealing with about three quarters of cases that currently attend A&E according to managers.

Liz Butler, chair of Bromley PCT, told the meeting that unless steps were taken to concentrate services, they would become unsafe.

She said: “We are mindful that some people will have to travel a bit further for a better service. It’s a trade-off. If we do nothing the services will become unsafe over time. The staff won’t vanish. It isn’t the building that gives the care – it’s the people.”

When pressed as to what plans there were for Orpington Hospital, Ms Butler emphasised there was no intention to sell off the site.

She said: “It’s a large asset. We’re not going to waste it. We don’t know yet what will happen in Orpington but I am confident a lot will continue.

“I’m clear that we need a facility in Orpington. We’re not talking about closing any hospitals.”

Ms Butler said the idea of travelling farther for specialist care was already in operation in some fields.

She said: “If you have a head injury, you are taken to King’s. If you have major burns, you go straight to East Grinstead.”

The urgent care centres would “look and smell” like current A&E departments, she added.

Age Concern is due to issue its response in the coming weeks.

For more information visit www.apictureofhealth.nhs.uk