THE CHIEF of the Dorset CCG has reassured the public that the paediatric unit at Dorset County Hospital will remain open.

Speaking at a public meeting in Lyme Regis, Dr Forbes Watson, said that despite the proposed changes to NHS services in Dorset, the Kingfisher Ward would 'manage the majority of cases that go there'.

He said: "There is no plan to close the paediatric unit at Dorset County Hospital.

"There was a proposal made that the children's ward at Dorset County Hospital might become an assessment unit, but that would still be open for the majority of hours in the day and would still be able to manage the majority of cases that go there."

Dr Watson said nothing is yet to be decided, and a public consultation will take place next year. Last week, a Bridport News and Dorset Echo petition containing more than 20,000 signatures was handed over to the CCG, urging leaders not to close the children's ward.

"The plan for all this is probably five to ten years," he added. "To do nothing is just not an option.

"We do want to move care closer to home and we're constantly looking at how we may better use technology to improve services."