WYRE Forest’s Green Party says losing any hospital services in Worcestershire should be a “definite no”.

The party has responsed to six options revealed 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.

Despite NHS Worcestershire's “case for change” on its review website, Stephen Brown, a member of the party, said the Green’s did not accept the move was necessary.

He said: “The Tories claim they are pumping more money into the NHS, they also claim that frontline services are protected. Both these things are untrue.

“[Health] budgets are not keeping pace with inflation, staff and services are being cut everywhere and the clinical need that is an aging population is not being met.

“The result is across the country, more particular for Worcestershire and acutely for Wyre Forest, it means our local NHS has to save £50 million.

“The Green Party has never accepted that any of this is necessary. Government priorities and who is paying the price for austerity is all wrong.

“Wyre Forest Green Party will support the campaign to protect and keep jobs and services at Kidderminster Hospital. The area has suffered enough thanks to Government cuts.

“We would say, however, the message should also be about action at national level to remedy what is inadequate funding for our services.”

For more reaction from political parties in Wyre Forest, visit the "county health review" section of The Shuttle website.

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