MORE than 1,000 people showed their support for the town's Alexandra Hospital by attending a mass rally.

The rally, organised by the Save the Alex campaign group, called on all residents, politicians and GPs to attend, with the aim 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 addressed 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.

The apolitical event, held on Saturday, also featured a family-orientated contest to find the best banner and had displays of local music and dance talent.

Speaking after the rally Neal Stote, chairman of Save the Alex campaign, said: “It was certainly busier than last time - we had more than 1,000 people turn up to show their support which was great.

"It shows that people cared three years go and that they care now."

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.