CAMPAIGNERS voiced fears over proposed changes to hospital services while health bosses encouraged people to have their say in Bridport.

Last month, Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) launched a public consultation into its clinical services review - proposed changes on how hospital services will be delivered. As part of the consultation, the CCG is holding events across the county. During a drop-in event on Monday (9) at Bridport Town Hall, campaigners took to Bucky Doo Square to voice their concern about the proposals and the decision to downgrade Dorset County Hospital's neonatal unit to a Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU).

The Bridport campaigners were led by Emily Case, mother of Archie, 3, and Austyn, 5.

She said: "We are here to show the public our concerns about the proposals being made and to educate people as to what the proposals amount to.

"They have been quite vague and it is quite difficult for the public to grasp."

She added: "My son is in and out of the Kingfisher Ward very frequently. They have saved his life a number of times. It's a very busy ward and there are always children in there having overnight care."

The CCG is proposing to create a major planned hospital, preferably Poole Hospital, a major emergency hospital, preferably the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, and claims the role of Dorset County Hospital would remain "broadly similar".

Ms Case added: "The proposals will mean some people will have to go to the east of the county for some services.

"It will divide families and will put our A&E and ambulance services under even more strain."

The CCG was pleased with the turnout at the Bridport event and is urging all residents to respond to the consultation.

David Jenkins, lay member of the Dorset CCG board, said: "We have been pleased with the number of people who have been good enough to give up their time at this event.

"People are concerned about public transport and the CCG is concerned about there being care as close to people's homes as possible. In the proposals, for some specialist services, people will have to travel east to Dorchester or in some cases to Bournemouth.

"We will continue to work with local authorities to get the balance right with the services being as close as they practically can, while people can be confident they are getting the best service available."

He added: "Some people think that this exercise is about saving money. It is more about getting the best quality service we can out of the available money.

"I am very pleased that these proposals are for a general hospital with a high range of services to continue in Dorchester."

Mr Jenkins also confirmed that talks were continuing between Dorset County Hospital and Yeovil Hospital to explore the possibility of working closer together.

The consultation runs until February 28. Visit csr.dorsetsvision.nhs.uk to have your say.