What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

People who found out about a vital NHS debate with days to spare have had their comments blocked in a computer gaffe.

The row emerged today after critics claimed a consultation on the NHS Mandate - which helps set the health service's direction and budget - had been swept quietly under the rug.

Online posts alerted thousands of people to the online Q&A, which has been open for a month and closes for good on Monday.

OurNHS editor Caroline Molloy told The Guardian : "There has been no fanfare, no public or press statements and only very lackadaisical engagement with patient groups. It’s a sham."

But when worried doctors and patients tried to give their views, their e-mails bounced straight back because the Department of Health's mailbox was full.

Read more:

It remained full last night and into this morning before being re-activated some time before 11.30am.

One unimpressed pundit said: "Probably straight into Hunt's waste paper bin!"

Some commenters said the mailbox only appeared full to people who sent large e-mails, but a blank e-mail sent by the Mirror bounced back at 8am.

The new version of the NHS Mandate will be published after George Osborne's Spending Review next week and will take effect from April next year.

Department of Health officials insisted the consultation was well-publicised, including with a written ministerial statement to Parliament, an online article and tweeting on the department's account.

It was also briefed to trade magazines including the Health Service Journal and circulated in internal bulletins.

Take part in the consultation by clicking here .