Derby and Derbyshire ICB said it had ‘significant concerns' about the proposals to move some outpatient services from Buxton Hospital to Stepping Hill Hospital.

An ICB spokesperson said: ‘The ICB is pleased to report that there have been constructive discussions with Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and any proposals are currently on hold while the necessary processes and engagement are undertaken. This includes confirmation of a detailed business case to outline the rationale for the plans, the completion of impact assessments and the need to assess the level of patient and public involvement required ahead of any decisions being made to change service provision, in line with the legal duties for NHS organisations.'

The ICB's concerns included planning processes and stakeholder engagement that had been undertaken prior to the announcement.

A Stockport NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: ‘In providing outpatient services to local people in the High Peak area, our aim is to provide patients and their carers more control and improved access to a wider range of services, in line with NHS England's Outpatient Recovery and Transformation Programme.

‘We want to empower people to book their own follow up care as and when they need it, and work with primary care to enable access to earlier expert care. We are currently in close discussion with NHS Derby and Derbyshire ICB about how to carry this forward, and provide the outpatient care local people need.'

High Peak MP Jon Pearce said: ‘The idea that these services could be shifted without consultation, or any real understanding of the consequences was completely unacceptable.

‘I'm pleased that after pushing hard for answers and accountability, the NHS has paused these plans and agreed to a proper and detailed consideration of the matter, reflecting its importance to local people.

‘As a community we now need to come together and make our voices heard. NHS leaders need to be left in no doubt that these services are vital and we cannot afford to lose them.'