POOLE Labour officers are calling on Poole Council’s Conservative leader, Janet Walton to join them in seeking a meeting with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock as he reviews the future of Poole's A&E.

The call comes after Dorset County Council’s Health Scrutiny Panel voted last month to refer the plan to downgrade Poole A&E and maternity units, to Mr Hancock.

Sarah Ward, Chair of Poole Labour said: “Poole council failed to take a lead on this issue earlier in the year when two of its Conservative members abstained at the Poole Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Panel and allowed the closure plan to proceed.

She claimed there was a 'clear case for increased risk of harm or even death' presented by the proposed closure.