Health secretary met by protests

Health secretary John Reid was met by protests on a visit to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital on Tuesday.

Campaigners, angry at plans to change children's services at Cheltenham General Hospital, waved placards and shouted protests.

Dr Reid was marking the completion and opening of £32m worth of new buildings.

In February, it was announced that specialist children's services in the county are to be concentrated in Gloucester.

Health bosses announced plans to locate specialist in-patient care for children and neo-natal intensive care at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

The 26-bed Battledown ward in Cheltenham will remain open, after a campaign by residents.