ROYAL Bournemouth Hospital will host a series of public meetings so people can have their say about a controversial shake-up of health services in Dorset.

Public events on the Clinical Services Review will take place at Greyfriars Community Centre, Ringwood, today from 5.30pm until 6.30pm, Twynham School, Christchurch, on Thursday, January 26 from 6.30pm until 7.30pm and at The Verwood Hub on Wednesday, February 1 from 1pm until 2pm.

Health bosses from NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) propose to make Royal Bournemouth Hospital the county’s major emergency hospital, leaving Poole Hospital for planned care with an urgent care centre.

The controversial plans, which aim to plug a potential funding gap of £158m a year by 2020, are out for public consultation until the end of February.

Tony Spotswood, Chief Executive of RBCH, said: “The CSR is an opportunity to make changes to acute hospital and community care services across our region by looking at how well our current services are working and proposing how they might be reorganised and improved.

“We believe the future health needs of Dorset and West Hampshire residents are best served through the development of the Royal Bournemouth Hospital as the main emergency hospital for Dorset. This is the CCG’s preferred option in its consultation.

“We have been encouraging all our staff, patients and visitors to take part in the CSR. Whatever your view, it’s important to feedback your thoughts and opinions about the proposed options - this is your chance to have your say on the future of the NHS in Dorset.”

For more information go to csr.dorsetsvision.nhs.uk