WYRE Forest Labour’s Parliamentary Spokesman says "lives would be put at risk" if proposals which could see Kidderminster Hospital close are "serious".

Councillor Howard Martin was responding to six options released by clinicians for the future of hospital services in the county as part of NHS Worcestershire’s joint services review. Two options could see the closure of Kidderminster Hospital.

He said his party would be pushing for the retention of a facility in Kidderminster and no downgrading of the town’s hospital as well as getting services from Worcestershire Royal, in Worcester, into empty rooms at the Kidderminster site.

“The plans are of great concern,” he said, “We must be vigilant and do everything we can to protect Kidderminster Hospital but it would be very stupid by the NHS to close a facility that has so much to offer.

“There is not enough space in Worcester or [Redditch’s Alexandra] to take on the role of Kidderminster. They are scaremongering by putting in the worst case scenario when they want one of the softer options.

“Of course there is an option to close Kidderminster but whether it is a viable option remains to be seen, I think they want to be able to say they have listened to people.

“We would have a serious problem with just dealing with outpatients, Worcestershire is struggling as it is. If they are seriously considering those options lives are at risk in Worcestershire and I do not believe anyone wants that.”

Mr Martin argued claims the move was down to NHS Worcetershire’s PFI repayments was “masking” the effect of the Government’s health reform plans.

“This is down to the Government wanting to centralise services and deliver a health service they can privatise,” he said.

A public event to discuss the plans will take place at Kidderminster Town Hall on Saturday, June 30, from 10am until 2pm.

Places must be reserved by calling Worcestershire NHS on 01905 733981 or sending an email to worcsnhsjsr@worcestershire. nhs.uk