WORRIED Worcester residents are to lobby city MP Mike Foster over the county health shake-up.

The Ronkswood Action Group wants the Labour MP to organise a public meeting to reassure city folk over the switch of services after Kidderminster Hospital is downgraded.

With thousands of Wyre Forest patients set to go to Ronkswood when Kidder-minster is downgraded next month and the county beds crisis looming large, the group wants action.

It is seeking reassurance there is adequate staffing cover and enough beds and A&E facilities to cope with the influx of patients.

Group spokeswoman Angela Carey said: "Everybody is saying to us that they're worried and frightened and we just want some assurance.

"Mike Foster has got to come out to talk to people to reassure them because the Government wants this PFI hospital.

"Now they have to explain that they are going to be OK - especially during the transition period."

She added: "If necessary we must call for Government intervention to help prevent the serious consequences that are bound to occur if this situation is allowed to continue unchecked."