Hospital services ‘will not be axed’ (From Droitwich Advertiser)

Hospital services ‘will not be axed’

7:50am Wednesday 29th February 2012 in News

HEALTH bosses have pledged not to close hospital services in Worcestershire despite a battle to claw back millions of pounds in savings.

NHS leaders are carrying out a review of services as they try to save between £150 million and £200 million by 2015/16.

A joint services review was launched to decide how to meet the task, although no options have been put on the table.

The review, launched last month, is scheduled to finish this November.

Talks with the public will be held between July and September, although input from patients, clinicians, public and staff is being sought throughout the review with roadshows recently being held in Redditch and Bromsgrove.

NHS leaders pledged to retain and support the development of health services during a recent meeting of the health overview and scrutiny committee in Worcester.

Dr Anthony Kelly, chairman of the Clinical Senate and member of the steering group, said: “Wherever the patient is best managed, treated, looked after close to home – that’s our aim.”