Limit on Kidderminster Hospital meetings attacked

Just 150 places are available at two meetings to discuss the future of Kidderminster Hospital – sparking claims that people do not have the chance to have a proper say.

An extra meeting has been organised after all the 75 places for the first one were snapped up.

The hospital is facing a fresh battle to survive after it emerged the site could close as part of a shake-up of healthcare services.

But residents say it is not fair that only a small percentage of the Wyre Forest population can attend.

Six options have been forwarded for the future of hospital services, with two possibly spelling the end for the Kidderminster site.

The meetings will be held on June 30 and July 3.

Kidderminster councillor Helen Dyke said: "This is not open and transparent, which is what the health authority is supposed to be."

Trust spokeswoman Catherine Ainsworth said: "The capacity of the room is more than 75 but this is quite a structured event with round table discussions and the purpose is to give people a proper opportunity to have their say. We have put on the extra event so more people can have a similar opportunity."