A PUBLIC meeting is to be held to discuss the long-awaited conclusions of the Joint Services Review (JSR) into the shake-up of health services.

The JSR, expected to publish its findings by the end of February, has been looking at how Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust can save £50million and best manage its clinical resources across the three acute hospitals in the county.

There are fears that as a result of the JSR the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch could be severely downgraded.

NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) will be at the meeting, organised by the Save the Alex Campaign, to answer questions, although exact service details are not expected until the early summer.

Neal Stote, from the Save the Alex Campaign, said: “After months of delay and speculation the campaign wants to ensure the public have their say on the emerging options before any formal consultation takes place in the summer.

“The news made public in January that leading hospitals in Birmingham have been talking to commissioners about potentially providing these key services is very exciting.

“The campaign has been working closely with Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG and welcomes their attendance to explain the emerging options.”

Dr Jonathan Wells, from the CCG, responsible for commissioning services at the Alex from April, added: “NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG is pleased to accept the invitation to this important public meeting.

“The Save the Alex Campaign has been instrumental in ensuring the views of local people are being heard by the NHS.

“No decisions can or will be made until local people have had their say through a formal consultation process later this year.”

The meeting is on March 11 at the Palace Theatre in Redditch starting at 7pm.

To get a free ticket call the Palace Theatre box office on 01527 65203.