HOSPITAL chiefs have responded to concerned calls from Christchurch councillors and arranged a further public meeting on the future of Christchurch Hospital.

As part of Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospital Trust’s consultation on their annual plan, which includes two proposed options for Christchurch Hospital, a series of public meetings are underway, including one at the Civic Offices on March 29.

But during two separate discussions on Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospital’s annual plan, borough councillors questioned whether the proposed committee room at the Civic Offices would be large enough, considering the amount of local interest in the matter.

At a meeting of the council’s scrutiny committee councillors also urged the trust to hold more public meetings to enable a wider consultation with residents.

Cllr John Lofts, leader of Christchurch Council said: “We had said that the one meeting in Christchurch Council’s building was not enough.

“We are glad that they are putting on another meeting as they need to consult as widely as possible.

“We had a big turnout for a meeting on this subject 18 months ago so I expect we will see the same this time around.”

The two options for the future of Christchurch hospital include securing current services at Christchurch and creating an older people’s village, with the second option relocating clinical services to Bournemouth while turning the site into a larger centre for elderly people.

The extra meeting will be held on Monday, April 4 at the Royal British Legion in Bargates.

It will start at 2.30pm and will be attended by the trust chief executive Tony Spotswood.

The trust is anticipating both public meetings to be well-attended and are advising people book.

To book a space contact Andrea Smithson on 01202 704271.