DR Richard Taylor has put forward a blueprint for a national strategy on accident and emergency services to avoid another "crisis" in healthcare.

The Wyre Forest MP urged the Government to grasp recommendations made by Prof Ara Darzi on services in County Durham and use it as a model for other hospitals under threat.

However, health minister Hazel Blears did not state if the model would be used elsewhere.

Prof Darzi, of the NHS Modernisation Agency, has recommended Bishop Auckland Hospital, which serves a population of 40,000, has a doctor-led A and E service and retains most of medicine as well as a diagnostic and treatment centre.

This is in contrast to Kidderminster Hospital, serving a population of 130,000, which lost its blue-light A and E and inpatient services but will have a diagnostic and treatment centre by next year.

Speaking in a House of Commons debate on A and E provision on Tuesday, he said of Prof Darzi's recommendations: "This is a modern idea that has much to commend it as it separates much elective surgery from the emergency work that block beds.

"Such a model might be applied to many hospitals that are under threat.

"The Darzi model would not be exactly the same in other places but it gives a flavour of what is possible with medical staffing and local desires. It is incredibly important."

He reminded the health minister she had stated the views of patients and citizens should not only be valued but listened to and acted upon.

He said: "My presence in the house is entirely due to the importance local people put on A and E services.

"People are prepared to travel for high-powered elective or emergency treatment but not for bread and butter emergencies.

"If they live or move to an area with local emergency services they do not expect them to be taken away.

"If my pleas are heard, crises will be avoided, and in Worcestershire, the devastation of hospital services forced by the now-abolished health authority could be undone and repaired."