A PETITION has been launched by the Redditch MP calling for the chemotherapy unit to be returned to Alexandra Hospital following fears it could be removed permanently.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust ‘temporarily’ moved the Garden Suite Chemotherapy Unit to Kidderminster Hospital during the pandemic in order to keep patients safe earlier this year.

However, in March trust bosses publicly said they may look at making this move permanent in the summer.

Mrs Maclean then convened a meeting of the Alex Working Group to tell trust bosses this was unacceptable and that “temporary must mean temporary.”

Now, the MP has launched a Change.org petition calling on residents to sign it in order to demonstrate public support for the Garden Suite returning to the Alex.

Mrs Maclean said: “The Garden Suite’s home was at the Alex before this pandemic and, together, let’s fight to make sure it’s brought home when it’s safe to do so.

"Please sign this petition to tell trust bosses that you want the Garden Suite returned to the Alex. Together, let’s show them Redditch doesn’t support the service permanently remaining at Kidderminster Hospital."

The petition has received over 200 signatures and can be viewed here.

Mrs Maclean added: “Ever since trust bosses publicly said the Garden Suite may not return to the Alex, I have received many emails from constituents who have used this service. I have been moved by their stories and how deeply passionate they are about seeing the Garden Suite returned to our town’s hospital.

“I’ve also heard from constituents who are now having to travel to Kidderminster for treatment. Contrary to what health bosses have told me, I’ve not heard any positive feedback from my constituents about the possibility of this service not returning to the Alex.”

Paul Brennan, chief operating officer and deputy chief executive at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said the decision to move the unit to Kidderminster was made to "protect patient safety" during the pandemic.

He said: “As we move into the next phase of our pandemic response we are reviewing all of our temporary service changes including the Garden Suite relocation.

"Initial feedback since the move has been overwhelmingly positive from both staff and patients, but we will continue to actively seek the views of colleagues and service users before any final decisions are made.”