REPRESENTATIVES of the group fighting to prevent further downgrading or closure of Kidderminster Hospital have presented a 13,000-strong petition to NHS Worcestershire.

Kidderminster Hospital Alliance members met with Eamonn Kelly, NHS Worcestershire chief executive, last Friday to hand over the petition signed by Wyre Forest residents in response to the joint services review.

It was delivered to Mr Kelly at Kidderminster Hospital to ensure the voice of Wyre Forest would be taken into account under the review - which must making save £50 million from the county’s hospitals over the next three years.

Two of the six models released so far threaten Kidderminster Hospital’s acute service with closure, which could leave it with just a minor injuries unit, outpatient services and diagnostics retained.

Health bosses are due to meet today and are expected to release a shortlist of options.

The Shuttle will report the outcome of the meeting on its website as soon as the JSR make a decision.

Shortlisting was delayed last month because the panel wanted more time.

Conservative Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier said: “The work of the alliance has been incredibly important to the future of Kidderminster’s hospital.

“This has shown how people of all political persuasions can unite together for this one single important local cause. I am proud to have been part of this very positive campaign and we now wait to see what the outcome will be.”

A spokesman for the NHS joint services review they were happy to receive the petition.

“No decisions have been made yet. The alliance has done a great job helping getting the word out and we want as many people as possible to join in the debate.

“All views expressed so far will be taken in to account before any final decisions are made.”

Stephen Brown, alliance spokesman, told The Shuttle if shortlisted options continued to threaten services at Kidderminster, the group would “step up” its campaign.