DEMONSTRATORS are set to take to the streets in protest at proposed changes to NHS services.

A number of well-known public figures are backing the march, which takes place on Saturday, October 15, and aims to show how much public support there is for NHS staff and services.

Protestors will be demonstrating against proposals to shake up services, including plans to withdraw services at community hospitals at Westhaven in Weymouth, St Leonards Hospital and Alderney Hospital in Poole, and no longer provide overnight beds at Portland Community Hospital.

The CCG, which is running a consultation on the proposals, said the number of beds across the county will actually increase as a result of the changes.

The protest, run by Keep Our NHS Public Dorset (KONPD), is also demonstrating against potential changes to maternity and paediatric services at Dorset County Hospital, as part of the CCG’s clinical services review.

KONPD is working with campaigners who have previously marched several times in Dorchester in support of services.

Singer songwriter Billy Bragg, film-maker Ken Loach, MP Diane Abbott and comedian Jeremy Hardy are just some of the names who are supporting the march, which will be held in Poole Park.

Debby Monkhouse, of KONPD, called on anyone who cares about the future of services to join the march.

She said: “We do not want to see our services taken away. We urgently need all of these services – there is a house building programme so the population will be increasing.

“For services like maternity, distance is crucial. You would not expect mums with seriously ill children to have to travel a long way.”

Speakers at the march include Weymouth and Portland Borough Councillor Dr Jon Orrell and Sheila Wiggins from Dorset People’s Assembly Against Cuts, as well as representatives from unions GMB and Unison.

But Debby said the event is designed so anyone who wishes to speak may do so.

There will be live music and people are encouraged to bring instruments to add to the atmosphere. The march route is two miles but there are shorter options for those who are disabled or have young children.

Protestors will gather at 12pm and march to Ashley Cross for a rally with speakers at 2.30pm.

A Dorset CCG spokesman said: "As part of our ambition to deliver higher quality, safer and more sustainable care across Dorset we have been working on proposals to modernise health services in the county, and we’re encouraging Dorset residents to get involved in the forthcoming public consultation.

"No decisions will be made until we have taken account of the public’s views collected during the consultation, so it’s important to stay up-to-date and have your say. Visit www.dorsetsvision.nhs.uk for information on how to get involved, and join our Health Involvement Network or follow us on social media for the latest updates."