HUNDREDS of furious Redditch and Bromsgrove residents, including pensioners, mothers and campaigners, launched angry questions at the hospital trust responsible for downgrading the Alexandra Hospital.

Bosses from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, joined by members of the Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group and staff, endured the session, chaired by borough council leader Bill Hartnett and Redditch MP Karen Lumley, at the town hall yesterday (Wednesday, September 28) to discuss the hospital's future.

Almost 500 residents turned up, many were forced to listen from the reception area due to the packed-out chamber, and about 1,500 people tuned in online via a live stream on campaigners Save The Alex's Facebook page.

Health chiefs admitted they had let Redditch down- through their communication with the public- and new trust chairman Caragh Merrick promised to hold public engagement groups in the near future.

Mrs Lumley, escorted by security, entered the town hall to a chorus of angry shouting from residents.

When council leader Bill Hartnett made an opening statement to the crowd, an argument between councillors ensued as members said they had been told no councillors were allowed to speak- threatening the progression of the meeting.

This was swiftly ended when chairman of the Save the Alex Campaign Neal Stote said: "Councillors we're hear to talk about the hospital", leading to roaring clapping amongst the crowds.

The panel spoke about a "countywide" service with investment at the Alex in certain areas but not in emergency services.

Trust interim chief executive Chris Tidman said: "It is all about bring the services together."

Residents explained their need for a return of both maternity, which closed in October last year, and children's services, which was temporary closed earlier this month, both due to staffing levels, and their concerns in how they could travel the 18 miles to Worcester in an emergency.

The panel said they would be looking at investing in more ambulances and a bus service for residents. They also spoke about starting a recruitment drive to fill some of the vacancies.

Dr Santi Vathenen,who resigned from the trust in June, described the trust of "systematically asset stripping" at the Alexandra Hospital.

He said: "You cannot now, in a modern setting, in a modern hospital have special things isolated. You cannot have acute medicine at the Alexandra Hospital without surgery, without maternity. It might work in memory but not in practice."

More to follow.