Health cuts debated in parliament

Some service are being moved to Gloucester or Cheltenham

Health Minister, Caroline Flint, has admitted that Gloucestershire's health services are facing real difficulties.

She was speaking at a Commons debate on Monday night into controversial cuts planned for the county.

The Conservative MP for Tewkesbury Laurence Robertson, pushed for answers on the proposals which have led to thousands of people protesting.

Ms Flint said it was largely the result of a new emphasis by the NHS on the way services are delivered.

For example, there is a move towards patients being treated at home rather than in hospitals.

Balancing books

Ms Flint offered to write to the county's five MPs to explain the financial situation more fully, but confirmed books need to be balanced.

About 500 jobs and 240 hospital beds in the county are under threat as part of plans to save £40m.

On Saturday, more than 3,000 people protested in Stroud against proposals to close two specialist health units.

Stroud Maternity Hospital and Weavers Croft Mental Health Unit are earmarked for closure with services to be moved to Cheltenham and Gloucester.

The cuts are part of moves to reduce an NHS deficit across England, which has reached £512m.