PETER Luff, Mid-Worcestershire MP, has written to the Government, highlighting the case of an Evesham man as proof that Worcester Royal Infirmary may not be able to cope this winter.

Mr Luff said in his letter to Health Secretary Alan Milburn that he remained "deeply fearful" about the WRI's ability to cope.

He referred to Rodney Dyke, who in August was sent to Hereford following an eight-hour wait at Ronkswood Hospital because there was no bed available.

"This is clear evidence that the WRI was full during the summer months and patients were being turned away," said Mr Luff.

"I remain deeply fearful about the coming winter, particularly in the light of the social services budget crisis in Worcestershire."

He said Mr Dyke's case was "one of many" reported to him by GPs and patients.

Ann Dyke, Mr Dyke's wife, complained to Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust following the admission of her husband to hospital.

A spokeswoman for the Trust has said a Trust consultant posted a letter at the end of August in reply to her remarks about the "wholly inadequate treatment" provided at Ronkswood Hospital.

But Mrs Dyke, of Hopkiln Gardens in Evesham, said this week she had never seen the Trust's letter.