A DECISION on the future of hospital services in the county is expected to be made tonight.

Having been delayed once already though, with bosses saying more work needs to be done, there is speculation about whether a decision will be made.

NHS joint services review leaders are set to meet in the next few hours to discuss the review - which threatens to see the Alexandra Hospital downgraded or even closed.

However, there are reports that talks are going on behind the scenes with University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, which could possibly take over some of the services at the Alex.

The shake-up of services is due to NHS chiefs struggling to cope with ever-increasing demands on services from a population which is growing older.

The cost of drugs are also rising and the budget is not increasing in line with inflation.

The aim of tonight’s steering group meeting is to finalise the options before giving people a chance to have their say during a public consultation in November.

If a decision is reached an announcement is expected to be made tomorrow.

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