Council leader calls for cross party fight to save Alex

Buy photos » Coun Roger Hollingworth. s

THE LEADER of Bromsgrove District Council has pledged to protect services at the Alexandra Hospital.

Speaking to The Standard, Coun Roger Hollingworth said he understood the NHS, like the council, had to make cuts, but said any move of the A&E department to Worcester would be 'an utter disaster'.

"It serves both the communities of Bromsgrove and Redditch.

"I will stand alongside and work with Bill Hartnett (Redditch Borough Council leader) and anyone else to ensure that A&E stays where it is.

"I realise that there has to be cuts, but if they close A&E, that would be a step too far.

"Can you imagine how far the ambulances would have to travel?

"They are putting money before people's lives and putting people's lives in danger and that is not acceptable."

Bromsgrove Labour leader Coun Peter McDonald echoed the council leader's comments.

He said: "We were promised there would be no cuts to the NHS.

"In Bromsgrove, it is bad enough we have to travel to Redditch, without going to Worcester.

"Redditch is not the easiest place to get to, but at least we know how to get there.

"With these services in Worcestershire, it seems the closer you are to Birmingham, the more you are neglected and it's getting worse and worse."

And MP Sajid Javid said: "Many of my constituents rely on the services provided by the Alexandra and, having had a family member treated there myself recently, I personally know just how important these services are to people throughout Bromsgrove.

"These proposals are from healthcare professionals and, while I understand the need to consider a range of options, what I'm determined to do is make sure that the views of patients and residents are taken into account."

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