A MASS rally to show support for Redditch's Alexandra Hospital is happening this weekend.

The rally, organised by the Save the Alex campaign group which is calling on all residents, politicians and GPs to attend, aims to send a clear message to health bosses as well as whoever is elected after May 7, that their first job is to save the Alex Hospital.

It aims to address several areas of concern, including the resignation of four accident and emergency consultants, and the hiring of their replacements, leading to fears that the Alex could be left without a safe A&E department.

It has also just been announced that actor/director Steven Carne from campaign Group 999 Call for the NHS will be addressing the rally.

Members of the Save the Alex campaign met members of 999 Call for the NHS during a march last summer.

Neal Stote, chairman of Save the Alex campaign, said: “We joined the Jarrow to London Peoples March on its last leg through the heart of London last year. It was fantastic to stand shoulder to shoulder with other local campaigns like ours.

"The passion the speakers showed for our NHS was inspirational and I am sure people will feel the same when Steven addresses our rally on Saturday.”

In 2012, more than 55,000 members of the public signed a petition rejecting any plans for the Alex to lose its A&E and maternity services and campaigners believe these services are as much at risk today as they were three years ago.

If the services are lost, people from Redditch and Bromsgrove would be forced to receive treatment at Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester.

Three years on from the launch of a services review, the future of the hospital’s A&E and maternity services still hang in the balance.

The review has been besieged by internal NHS wrangling and delays.

NHS England has now refused to release the review's findings sighting election purdah - the pre-election shutdown period - as the reason.

But Save the Alex has questioned the delay and described those it claims are blocking the report’s release as “faceless bureaucrats”.

Hundreds of people are already expected to turn out for the apolitical event, which will feature a family-orientated contest to find the best banner with displays of local music and dance talent.

People taking part are being asked to gather this Saturday, May 2 at Redditch Town Hall for 11am.

For more information or to get involved, email neal@savethealex.co.uk.