A shadow health minister is due to quiz top managers at Kingston Hospital.

Mike Penning, the Conservative shadow health minister, is due to tour the hospital with Tory parliamentary candidates Zac Goldsmith and Helen Whately on Thursday.

The hospital hit the headlines last week after Susan Kramer, MP for Richmond Park, and Edward Davey, MP for Kingston and Surbiton, revealed that NHS London plans to close accident and emergency and maternity units in south-west London.

They said they had spoken to high-ranking NHS bosses and been told there was a shortlist of two options, including the closure of the departments at the Galsworthy Road hospital.

Gavin Marsh, clinical director of healthcare for south-west London, denied any hospitals were to close but would not give assurances about specific departments.

A pre-emptive campaign was launched by the Lib Dems calling on people to show their opposition to any closures.

The NHS has confirmed a review of departments in the area is under way but repeatedly stated no decisions have been made.

Mr Penning’s visit was planned prior to the revelation but he plans to raise the issue with hospital managers.

Mr Goldsmith, Conservative candidate for the Richmond Park seat, said he and Ms Whately looked forward to welcoming the shadow minister to Kingston Hospital.

He reiterated that he had assurances from shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley that if the Conservatives win the geberal election he would impose a moratorium on proposed closures of A&E and maternity units across the country, including those that may be in the pipeline at Kingston.

Mr Goldsmith added: "A lot of people have been frightened by Lib Dem claims about secret plans to close Kingston Hospital.

“We are yet to see the evidence, but if there is a threat, local Conservatives will campaign with every ounce of their energy to protect it."