Thousands back petition with rally date set

Buy photos » Young campaigners Amelie, five, Phoebe, two, and Esme, seven, with mother Liz Vaughan. 2612002MMR4

MORE than 13,000 people have backed the Save The Alex campaign in just over two weeks.

Neal Stote, who is leading the Save The Alex campaign, said people were sending a clear message to Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust.

“Thank you to everyone who has supported the campaign so far but the message is keep going and the Trust will have to listen to us.

“If you know someone who hasn’t signed the petition yet ask them if they would like to.”

A public rally is being held in Redditch to demonstrate to hospital bosses the strength of opposition to proposals which could see the Alexandra Hospital closed or severely downgraded.

The Save The Alex campaign is organising the peaceful protest on Monday (July 2) and is urging as many people as possible to attend the demonstration in Walter Stranz Square outside Redditch Town Hall from 4.30pm.

It will last for about half an hour before the start at 5pm of the first of two meetings in the town which will see clinicians and hospital bosses set out the reasons behind the review of hospital services which could see maternity and A&E stripped from the Alex and transferred to the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

In one scenario the hospital could close altogether with only a minor injuries unit, diagnostics and other support services offered, possibly not even on the existing Woodrow Drive site.

Clinicians have also expressed their desire to meet with campaigners ahead of the meeting.

Mr Stote said: “This is our chance to put on a visible show of opposition to the very people who want to take A&E and maternity services away from our hospital or close it altogether.

“I urge as many people as possible to turnout and tell them they have got this wrong.”

Those interested in attending should gather in the square just before 4.30pm.

Those wanting to sign the petition can do so at our Standard offices, 44 High Street, Bromsgrove, or Church Green, Redditch.

They can also fill out the coupon on this page or sign it online. There are links to the online petition at www.savethealex.com and www.bromsgrovestandard.co.uk. Donations and volunteers are needed to help support the campaign and time or money can pledged by visiting the Save the Alex website or email savethealex@hotmail.com.

Anyone with completed petition sheets should return them to Harriet Ernstsons, Redditch Standard, Webb House, Church Green East, Redditch, B98 8BP. Those requiring more sheets via email or post should call 01527 588656.

Regional news »