WORCESTERSHIRE’S NHS is claiming public meetings have persuaded people that changes need to made to the way healthcare is provided in the county.

The acute hospitals trust says key findings following its seven public events held in June, including two in Kidderminster, showed 55 per cent of the 400 people who attended agreed with the health authority that changes were needed.

At the meetings, people were given a questionnaire before and after the presentations and question and answer session.

According to the trust, just 24 per cent of people thought changes were needed before the events.

A full public consultation will begin in November after six models of potential future care, of which two threaten Kidderminster Hospital with further downgrading or closure, are shortlisted.

Dr Anthony Kelly, chair of Worcestershire Clinical Senate, said: “Listening to the views of the people of Worcestershire is vital and we are committed to sharing information as we work through this challenge.

We would like to thank those who took part in these valuable discussion events. We recognise people had a variety of concerns and this has given us an essential insight to inform the review.

“The review is still at an early stage and we would encourage people to share their views and ideas with us.”

Those attending also felt more detailed information in several areas would help them make an informed decision, including the financial implications for each model of care and difficulties faced in recruiting skilled medical staff in some areas.

At the meetings, trust bosses said more details would be given when the shortlisted models are revealed later in the summer.