WYRE Forest’s UKIP Parliamentary Spokesman says the district’s councillors and MP need to unite to avoid the closure of Kidderminster Hospital.

Michael Wrench 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 the hospital.

He said it was time for politicians to speak as one group to save the hospital or prevent it from losing any services “This is not a time for politicians to play the blame game,” he said. “Yes there are many reasons as to why we could see Kidderminster Hospital closing but surely now is not the time to be squabbling over who is to blame.

“We need to concentrate on how to save the hospital and to make sure the people of Wyre Forest have access to a good health care system without the need of having to travel to Worcester all the time.

“Having accessed both services in Kidderminster and Worcester in the past two years myself, I cannot fault either on the level of care.

“What does make a big difference, however, is being able to get treatment in the area you live and this had got to be the number one point.

“We have a right to keep our hospital open and have access to good healthcare here in Wyre Forest.”

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