THE people of Worcester have the chance to learn more about changes to the future of hospital services during a review which could see the closure of one of Worcestershire’s accident and emergency departments.

A ‘communication discussion’ event is being held at County Hall in Worcester on Saturday between 10am and 2pm to discuss models to close a funding gap of £200 million over the next four years across the NHS in Worcestershire.

Of this sum, £50 million is expected to come from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust which manages the hospitals.

The public will have a chance to comment on the six models which include closing the accident and emergency department at either Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester or the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.

There is a growing clamour of public opposition to the loss of major services at the Alex, including its A&E services, with a petition breaking the 20,000 signature barrier, according to campaign organiser Neal Stote.

The models could also involve changes to the way planned surgery takes place and the possible centralisation of women’s and children’s services.

These are engagement exercises rather than consultation as a shortlist of options has yet to be announced.

David Law, a GP who presented at a similar event in Bromsgrove last Wednesday, said: “There are still plenty of places left for the other discussion events being held across Worcestershire and we are calling for more people to take part.”

The aim is to make sure that as many people as possible have their say at an early stage before a full public consultation gets underway in November. Attendance is by prior booking only.

Places at public events can be booked by e-mailing worcsnhsjsr@worcestershire.nhs.uk, stating which event you would like to attend, or by phoning 01905 733981.

Alternatively, you can request an information pack which includes a feedback form.

Meanwhile, a public meeting at Redditch Town Hall on Monday was attended by 150 people – although 250 people actually turned up, to oppose changes to the Alex major services.

Mr Stote said he was disappointed only one GP from Bromsgrove was at the meeting, and wanted more input from GPs’ surgeries.

“There’s no argument I think to switching where planned care goes, but nobody can choose where they have an accident or where their baby is born,” he said.

“I think there’s a risk to public health in a county with 500,000 people.”

How to get involved

Tuesday, July 10: Town Hall, Redditch, 6pm to 8pm.

Other ways to get involved: Join the debate on the trust’s ‘have your say’ discussion boards. Send your comments, feedback and suggestions to: worcsnhsjsr @worcestershire.nhs.uk.

Follow the trust on Twitter and Facebook and join the discussion.

Phone 01905 733981 to request an information pack.

Write to: Joint Service Review, FREEPOST RRXY-RKTX-GBXT, Communications Department, Executive Suite, Sky Level 3, Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Charles Hastings Way, Worcester, WR5 1DD.

To find out more, visit worcestershirehealth.nhs.uk/joint-services-review or call 01905 733981.