THE current government had not made a decision on the Dorset NHS reorganisation plans by the time the election was called.

All the major parties have promised varying degrees of better funding than at present but in Purbeck we face the closure of Poole A&E and maternity hospital. This will mean nearly an hour by ambulance to Bournemouth hospital from Purbeck with a risk to our lives. The current NHS plans lose 400 beds at Poole when there is already a shortage.

We have written to all the party leaders asking for a response to the question: Will your party commit to keeping a consultant led Poole A&E/maternity hospital at Poole Hospital?

We ask everyone to raise the issue with candidates and at hustings. The current plans are a disaster which must be changed.

STEVE CLARKE, Defend Dorset NHS, East Street, Corfe Castle