A CAMPAIGN to save eye services at the Alexandra Hospital has stepped up a gear after a health watchdog set out detailed objections, writes Julian Seva.

The Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust is reviewing ophthalmic services at the hospital and sites in Kidderminster and Worcester.

But there is growing concern services in Redditch will be downgraded and split between the other two sites.

Bromsgrove and Redditch Community Health Council has written to the trust's new chairman, Michael O'Riordan.

The letter from CHC chief officer Moira Morris says:

"A full public consultation would be needed if services are to be moved.

"Redditch is maturing fast with a large predicted increase of elderly people needing eye services.

"The population of Redditch and Bromsgrove is larger than Kidderminster, hence the reason the Alexandra was the obvious choice for development within the trust.

"Redditch and Bromsgrove people do not wish to travel to Worcester or Kidderminster as eye ailments make travelling difficult.

"A report on Kidderminster hospital's future states nothing should be developed there which would have a detrimental effect on services at Redditch or Worcester.

"Investing in Excellence" implemented by Worcestershire Health Authority places ophthalmic services as "core services" which should be available at all three trust sites.

"Public funds raised by the Alexandra's League of Friends through an appeal in the Advertiser bought an eye laser to treat cataracts and retina problems. The public would not tolerate moving it and trust in the NHS would be lost.

Mrs Morris also said: "The members of the CHC recently visited and reported on ophthalmic services across the trust.

"Members are particularly concerned at the apparent lack of investment and commitment by managers for this service at the Alexandra Hospital.

"The CHC report exposes an inequality of provision of this service for the people of the Bromsgrove and Redditch area."

A report of the review will be presented to the trust board in the new year and then go out for consultation.

A trust spokesman said: "The review is being done on clinical grounds rather than financial motivations."

He added: "Nothing is set in stone yet."