Ministers in shake-up warning

ANY SHAKE-UP of hospital services in Worcestershire would have to meet four key tests government ministers have warned.

Speaking on a recent visit to the region Health Secretary Andrew Lansley indicated he would be prepared to independently review proposals by Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust including the loss of A&E and maternity services at the Alex, to ensure the right balance was being struck between providing care locally and highly, specialised services.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Health later confirmed in certain circumstances any reconfiguration of hospital services could be called in for review but they would not know if those circumstances applied until formal consultation got underway later this year.

Redditch MP Karen Lumley also called for a debate on the review in Parliament but although the call was rejected by Leader of the House of Commons George Young, he reiterated there were conditions the reconfiguration would have to fulfil before it was allowed to go-ahead.

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