CAMPAIGNERS have met the Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to seek clarification on the on-going Joint Services Review (JSR) which will affect the future provision of services at Redditch’s Alexandra Hospital.

The meeting was called following news talks were taking place with hospital trusts in Birmingham about taking over the running of services at the Alex.

Following a full and frank discussion it was made clear there are at least two options emerging from the process which will provide a wide range of services at the site including some form of A&E, women’s and children’s care.

The leaders of Bromsgrove District Council, Redditch Borough Council and Stratford District Council, the chief executive of Redditch and Bromsgrove councils, Redditch MP Karen Lumley and members of the Save the Alex Campaign, are calling on commissioners to explore the Birmingham option in full.

Councillor Roger Hollingworth, leader of Bromsgrove District Council, said: "I welcome the fact Worcestershire NHS Trust has admitted that there is life outside of Worcestershire and that there is an offer on the table which is at least clinically as good as that proposed by Worcestershire.

"The alternative could be provided by the best teaching hospital in the country, a trust that is financially sound and is already a Foundation Trust, that is prepared to invest in the Alexandra, rather than look at ways to cut back all the time, and that will be supported by two of the best hospitals in the country, The Birmingham Women's Hospital and the Birmingham Children's Hospital.

"I am pleased that this alternative will be put on the table for the people to decide how their health care should be provided."

Neal Stote, chairman of the Save the Alex Campaign, said: "I am pleased we have clarification from the Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG that the options emerging from The JSR will see a range of services kept at the Alexandra Hospital including routine and emergency care as well as services for women and children.

"I want all options fully explored and put forward to the public so they can have their say, the sooner this can happen the better."

Redditch MP Karen Lumley added: "I urge the JSR to make the shortlisted options available sooner rather than later and push forward with making the public consultation easily accessible and well-advertised.

"The public have a right to know the full range of options available, whether this future belongs with University Hospitals Birmingham or the Worcestershire Trust."