RESIDENTS are being urged to turn out in force to quiz Redditch MP Karen Lumley over the future of the town's embattled Alexandra Hospital.

A public meeting is being held at Redditch Town Hall next Wednesday, September 28 starting at 7pm.

It comes after the controversial loss of children's services at the Alex, and before that the closure of the gynaecology and maternity departments.

Redditch MP Karen Lumley and Redditch Council leader Bill Hartnett are chairing the meeting, which will also include clinicians from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and members of Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG.

There is no need to book, anyone can turn up.

The meeting will be a chance to question those present on the removal of key services, sustainability fears threatening the future of A&E, and what the future holds for the Alex.

Other subjects are likely to include what Mrs Lumley and the government are doing about the ongoing saga, the huge deficit the turst is facing, and major national staff shortages.

Save the Alex Campaign, which petitioned Mrs Lumley to hold the meeting after the promise of an "open and honest discussion" in the Redditch Advertiser, want as many people as possible to turn up.

The group will also be holding a protest before the meeting from 6pm outside the town hall.

Neal Stote, chairman of Save the Alex Campaign, said: "This will be the last chance for the public to make their feelings known and get answers before consultation starts.

"We hope as many people as possible will turn out to support the Alex and show this town wants, and needs, a hospital providing the key services we all rely on and not what is fast becoming a glorified cuts and bruises clinic performing planned operations only."