Children needing emergency treatment may need to be taken to Whittington Hospital in Archway rather than the Royal Free in Hampstead, under proposals being drafted by Camden and Barnet primary care trusts (PCTs).

But there seems to be confusion as to what exactly is being proposed and when.

Camden PCT confirmed this week that a full public consultation into the move is being drafted to take place next year, while a spokesman for its Barnet counterpart said an accident and emergency service for children would continue to be provided at the Royal Free Hospital'.

But he added: "We can also confirm that work is under way to look at the way women's and children's services might be provided in the future across north central London."

Councillor Chris Harris, Barnet Council's cabinet member for children, said the council would not countenance the service being moved or downgraded'.

Arthur Brill, chairman of the Patient and Public Involvement forum for the Royal Free, said he had not heard about the imminent consultation.

"It's all very well saying the Whittington is just down the road', but it's not. If you come on a Friday afternoon, you can forget it."

The Royal Free is the first-choice hospital for many residents in the southern half of the borough.