The future of Molesey Hospital will be decided by residents after it was agreed a public consultation on whether the service would close or relocate to Cobham was moved forward.

Surrey Downs Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said before any action would be taken, the views of service users would be considered in the consultation, which is set to launch in several weeks.

The consultation stage was decided at a meeting of the group’s governing body, held in Esher on Friday, September 25.

It follows a review made by the CCG, which set out to determine the long-term care requirements of patient populations across Molesey, Epsom, Ewell, Dorking, Leatherhead and Cobham.

Among the options was the closure of Molesey Hospital with all its inpatient and outpatient services transferred to Cobham Hospital.

The closure of the 19th century building, which needs repairing, has been opposed by residents.

Resident Elley Kalogirou said: “Molesey Hospital is a vital part of the local community.

“My great grandfather received amazing care in his last days and, due to the close proximity, it meant we were able to visit very frequently.

Kingston Hospital is under enough pressure as it is, at this time, we need our local hospital more than ever before.”

Another resident, Sarah Downes, praised the hospital for being a “godsend”, after she avoided having to travel to Kingston or St Peter’s hospitals.

But Davina Brumpton said: “My mum was moved from Kingston Hospital to Molesey. The old very large wards are too big and are in need of a rebuild. Molesey Hospital needs a new home.”

A Surrey Downs CCG spokesman said regardless of the option chosen there would still be the same number of hospital beds across Surrey Downs.

James Blythe, director of commissioning and strategy at Surrey Downs CCG, said: “We will be launching the consultation in the next few weeks.

“It will include a wide range of activities including town centre roadshows, workshops, online and postal surveys, so there will be plenty of opportunities for local people to get involved and tell us what they think.”