COUNCIL leader Bill Hartnett and Redditch MP Karen Lumley have said they are delighted that a report into helathcare in Worcestershire states that A&E needs to remain open at the Alexandra Hospital.

The long-awaited specialist review was announced yesterday and despite it saying consultant led maternity services and paediatric inpatients should be centralised at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, it has been welcomed.

A joint statement from the council leader and MP, as well as Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid, Roger Hollingworth, leader of Bromsgrove District Council and Neal Stote, chairman of the Save The Alex campaign, said they were delighted but will continue the fight for the people the Alex serves.

The statement stressed the campaign would continue to put pressure on, to ensure that the minimum clinical specification recommended by the panel is delivered in practice.

It also said they were pleased that the Clinical Commissioning Groups and Worcestershire County Council should review the public transport links between Redditch and the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Mrs Lumley said: “The news that we are to keep 24 hours emergency services at the Alex is great news for the people of Redditch.

"I am also pleased that services such as orthopaedics will be transferred from Worcester to the Alex ensuring a vibrant hospital for years to come.”

Councillor Hartnett said: “People who use the Alex will be grateful to learn that we have successfully fought for as much of A&E as possible, however, in regards to maternity I will be looking closely at the proposals to make sure we get the best deal for Redditch.”

Mr Stote, chairman of the Save The Alex campaign, added: “The report shows Save The Alex were right in its high profile campaign.

"We will study the report in detail and continue to fight for the best possible range of services at the Alex.”