WYRE Forest’s former MP, who battled to save Kidderminster Hospital from downgrading in 2000, has criticised NHS Worcestershire’s joint services review over language used in its documentation.

Dr Richard Taylor said the health authority needed to be clearer about its use of the word “closure”.

In the details of two of its potential models for the future of the county’s hospital care, the authority explains “hospital sites would be closed”.

All models would see a minor injuries unit, outpatient services and diagnostics retained “in the areas they are currently located”.

Those services, however, would “not necessarily” be on the existing sites, sparking fears Kidderminster Hospital could be closed.

During Saturday’s public meeting, Dr Taylor told health bosses: “You have used the word – closed – which we in Kidderminster were never allowed to use in 1998.

“It is asking for trouble.”