IPSWICH MP Chris Mole today pledged to fight for the future of Ipswich Hospital.But he was unsure about the immediate threat to services."I have heard the concerns of senior doctors and consultants, but there is no clear threat to any services at present.

IPSWICH MP Chris Mole today pledged to fight for the future of Ipswich Hospital.

But he was unsure about the immediate threat to services.

Mr Mole said: "I have heard the concerns of senior doctors and consultants, but there is no clear threat to any services at present. It is a bit like fighting a bowl of jelly."

He was concerned that the development of the hospital's intensive care unit could have been delayed because of bureaucratic problems associated with the establishment of the new regional strategic health authority.

He said: "It seems that a decision on the intensive care unit's extra funding has been caught in the changes – I hope it is made soon.

"I don't think there is an immediate threat – but I shall certainly fight for Ipswich Hospital and the intensive care service if a threat does materialise."

He said hospitals across the country were becoming more specialised, with patients travelling to larger hospitals for specialist treatment.

Ipswich was becoming a regional centre for treatment for certain forms of cancer, especially gynaecological forms of the disease.

"Already some other hospitals have complained about losing out to Ipswich in these specialisms," Mr Mole added.