POWERFUL support for Christchurch Hospital has helped to keep its future at the top of the agenda following a recent consultation.

The results of the exercise held earlier this year by Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals Trust show overwhelming support for the hospital following fears it might be closed as more wards were transferred to Bournemouth hospital at the end of last year.

A 6,000-signature petition was presented to hospital bosses at a meeting earlier this year and according to a report on the consultation, the majority of feedback focused on the future of the much-loved hospital.

The report says: “Within the proposals for the following year the main concern for both staff and the public is the future of Christchurch Hospital.

“The trust has made it clear that it has continued to invest in Christchurch over the past year with additional clinics and expanding the Day Hospital for example.

“The trust wants to ensure the site is used appropriately for the current and anticipated future needs of patients.”

As well as general worries that the hospital may become a victim of cuts to the NHS, people also sought reassurances on what would be left once the well-regarded stroke unit was moved to Bournemouth.

In response to these concerns, the report, which is available online, says: “The trust acknowledges the strong community support that Christchurch Hospital receives and would reiterate its commitment to the hospital as a significant and important hub of activity.”

The report also said that with £1 million spent over the past two years on building upgrades as well as expanding clinics and an improved phlebotomy service, the trust needed to maximise the efficiency of the building.

The trust will be looking at a number of solutions, including collaboration with partner organisations, introduction of outpatient-type services and the development of new bed-based services for other providers of care.