'Hit squads' are to be sent around the country to check that National Health Service trusts are not planning to close community hospitals.

The move is designed to send a message from the government that it will get tough with trusts which might be considering closing smaller hospitals to save money at a time of financial pressure. Last month's White Paper on primary healthcare spelt out the need to retain community hospitals. However, campaigners say that up to 80 are threatened with closure or a reduction of services.

Health Minister Lord Warner said this weekend that the government was committed to spending £100 million on building or refurbishing at least 50 community hospitals, which provide diagnostics, day surgery and outpatient facilities closer to where people live and work.

A statement from the Department of Health spells out that 'hit squads of inspectors' will be dispatched to meet the heads of strategic health authorities, to check their local plans for change. They will reject any plans for community hospital closures from primary care trusts if they cannot show they have considered all other options, including other companies taking over the hospitals.