FEWER than one per cent of people responded to controversial plans to axe key health services from across south east London.

More than 750,000 questionnaires were sent out across the region on proposals to change NHS services.

But health chiefs have received only about 7,000 responses from the three-month A Picture of Health consultation, which ended last week.

Among the proposals is to axe maternity and A&E services from Queen Mary's Hospital in Sidcup, while enhancing services at the Princess Royal University Hospital in Farnborough, Bromley, which will become one of two "hotsites".

Opponents blame the “confusing” questionnaires for the low response, but a spokesman said the final total was expected to be higher as responses were counted.

The ageing Sidcup hospital’s A&E and maternity departments would close under the plans to address diminishing staff levels and admissions.

Cllr Sharon Massey, Bexley cabinet member for health, said: “The document was so confusing and had just 11 words on Queen Mary’s losing its services. That’s just beyond belief – like something out of a Monty Python sketch.”

Medics agree change is needed and health bosses say it would improve patient care and see more people being treated closer to home.

A decision is expected in June after consultation responses are reviewed by Imperial College’s health management centre.