Hundreds oppose hospital changes

Consultant George Oduru says proposed cuts cause concern

Hundreds of protestors voiced their concerns about NHS services at Grantham Hospital in Lincolnshire at a meeting in the town.

An NHS turnaround plan for Lincolnshire could mean hundreds of job losses and reduction of some services in Grantham.

An emergency consultant warned that plans to reduce accident and emergency services at the hospital could put lives at risk.

United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust is trying to tackle a £15m overspend.

After the meeting on Thursday, consultant George Oduru, who leads the A&E unit at Grantham, said: "The people of Grantham are right to be worried because there is a great need for an emergency service here."

Lincolnshire NHS did not make any comments after the meeting, but its preferred option includes cutting back emergency services, closing the maternity centre and stopping all surgery at the hospital except for orthopaedics.

The cuts come as the trust aims to balance its books in line with government targets.