Public rally planned to oppose hospital downgrade

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A PUBLIC rally is being held to demonstrate to hospital bosses the strength of opposition to proposals which could see the Alexandra Hospital close or be severely downgraded.

The Save the Alex campaign is organising the peaceful protest on Monday (July 2) and is urging as many people as possible to attend the demonstration in Walter Stranz Square outside Redditch Town Hall from 4.30pm.

It will last for about half an hour before the start at 5pm of the first of two meetings in the town which will see clinicians and hospital bosses set out the reasons behind the review of hospital services which could see maternity and A&E stripped from the Alex and transferred to the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

In one scenario the hospital could close altogether with only a minor injuries unit, diagnostics and other support services offered, possibly not even on the existing Woodrow Drive site.

Neal Stote, who is leading the Save the Alex campaign, said: "This is our chance to make a visible show of opposition to the very people who want to take A&E and maternity services away from our hospital or close it altogether. I urge as many people as possible to turnout and tell them they have got this wrong."

Those interested in attending should gather in the square just before 4.30pm.

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