"If a good number of people can drop in, it will make the point again about the strength of feeling locally, " the MP said.

BBC: 'Show feeling' on Epsom Hospital, urges Surrey MP

Others, however, point to the strength of the government's response, and ask if there is more to it.

ECONOMIST: Avian flu in southern China

Several senior politicians in the region have questioned the point of having a patients watchdog at all if it fails to reflect the local strength of feeling on such issues.

BBC: Over-rule on the cards on health?