Protest rally over hospital cuts

Up to 200 protesters braved the wet and cold at the rally

Up to 200 protesters have taken part in a rally to object to proposals to downgrade a Worcestershire hospital.

Union members joined the Save Our Alex group to protest against the plans for the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.

Maternity, paediatrics, and gynaecology services could be axed, meaning patients having to travel to Worcester.

The rally took place ahead of a board meeting at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust which was to discuss the closure plans.

'Jobs at risk'

Neal Stote, from the Save the Alex campaign, said: "The support here is massive. We have stood here now for over an hour in the cold and wet weather.

"Time and time again when we have protests people turn out. It is of great concern to us today that we have learnt that staff have been told they cannot come out and support us and it is their jobs at risk."

Edna Hall from the Unison union said: "Our members at the Alex, Worcester Royal and Kidderminster are worried about the affects the proposed changes will have on their jobs and patient care.

"The current situation in Worcestershire is creating a climate of fear and there has never been a more important time to campaign against cuts and job losses in NHS services."