PROTESTERS are planning to march through Cheltenham to express their anger about hospital cuts.
Cheltenham General Hospital is at risk of turning into a minor injuries unit overnight with those more seriously injured having to go to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital (GRH).
Around 200 people are expected to take to the streets of Cheltenham on Saturday, April 6, to protest against the proposals.
Cheltenham and Gloucester Against Cuts is organising the rally against any closure of Cheltenham's emergency department and privatisation of the NHS services.
Andrew Causon, of Bishop's Cleeve, is a member of the group.
The 46-year-old does not believe GRH has the capacity to deal with demand from across the whole of Gloucestershire.
He said: "I know it is often said that they are only eight miles apart and so it is not a big deal, but ambulance staff have told us that ambulances have been diverted from GRH to CGH in the past as they have been too busy. All four corners of the county rely on us having another A&E capacity and I think people will be very alarmed when they hear our genuine concerns. Hospitals without A&E departments are also much more attractive for privatisation."
Industry unions from across the South West will be invited to join the protesters, with the route still being confirmed.
Mary Hutton, accountable officer for NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "There are no proposals to close either of Gloucestershire's A&E departments: the NHS in Gloucestershire remains committed to two vibrant district general hospitals in the county.
"We have outlined a number of proposals for specialist hospital services with the aim of providing high quality, safe services which make best use of the resources and expertise available and help overcome the national challenges in recruiting specialist consultants.
"The NHS in Gloucestershire is currently holding a number of consultation events across the county to gather the views of patients, carers and community partners."
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