THE architect of New Labour will be approached to join Dr Richard Taylor's all-party group fighting hospital downgrading following concerns from his constituents.

Residents in the Hartlepool constituency of Peter Mandelson have written to the Wyre Forest MP concerned at a closure threat to their town hospital's A&E.

They have joined hordes of worried folk from as far afield as Penzance and Dumbarton who have contacted Dr Taylor over hospital changes.

Now the all-party group, which held its first meeting on Tuesday, will urge all MPs representing constituencies where rural or semi-rural acute general hospitals are under threat to attend its next meeting.

It would be quite a coup to get Mr Mandelson on board. The former Trade and Industry Secretary was lauded as the visionary behind New Labour and was Tony Blair's closest confidante for many years.

He is widely acknowledged as one of the sharpest operators in the House of Commons.

Dr Taylor, who was elected vice-chairman of the group on Tuesday, said: "We will be approaching Mr Mandelson the same as all other MPs whose constituencies are affected.

"It has been very satisfying to have been contacted by so many people who see us as representing their interests."

The initial meeting of the group, attended by eight MPs, established its role of studying the provision of local hospital services and making recommendations where appropriate.

It now aims to rally more MPs to the cause, especially Labour members who were not represented at the inaugural discussion.

Dr Taylor said: "To get anything realistic we have to get the rules changed at Government level - that is why it is vital we gather evidence from other hospitals and not just concentrate on Kidderminster."