Plans being drawn up by hospital bosses could lead to the closing of A&E departments in some hospitals, according to reports.

A set of new draft sustainability and transformation plans (STPs), which suggest ways for the health service to become more efficient, have been seen by the BBC.

Earlier this year health leaders around the country were tasked with planning how they will deliver a "sustainable and transformed" health service which will improve quality of care and NHS finances.

The Guardian reports the plan for North West London outlines a way to reduce the number of face-to-face meetings between doctors and patients by using "virtual consultations".

A NHS England spokesman told the BBC: "It is hardly a secret that the NHS is looking to make major efficiencies and the best way of doing so is for local doctors, hospitals and councils to work together to decide the way forward in consultation with local communities.

"Proposals are at a draft stage but we expect all local leaders to be talking to the public and stakeholders regularly - it is vital that people are able to shape the future of their local services.

"No changes to the services people currently receive will be made without local engagement and, where required, consultation."

The draft STPs were uncovered by the campaign group 38 Degrees.

One is reported to include a plan to close the A&E at the Midland Metropolitan Hospital.

The STP also suggests merging two of the area's three district general hospitals and closing one site.

Another plan, for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, proposes reducing the number hospitals in the area from three to two.