West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has called on health chiefs to offer more services at the county’s network of community hospitals.

And the MP urged local people to have their say as the Worcestershire Health and Care Trust carries out a consultation on how community hospitals are used.

Harriett has been a long-standing supporter of the community hospitals and has campaigned ever since she was first elected to make better use of them by delivering specialist healthcare closer to where patients live.

Harriett commented: “Community hospitals are highly valued resources and at this time of year the minor injuries units play a crucial role helping to take the pressure of the very busy emergency department at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

“I’m pleased that the Health and Care Trust is looking at ways to use our community hospitals better and I look forward to seeing the ideas developed.

“My constituents in Malvern, Pershore and Tenbury benefit from a hospital on their doorstep and it seems sensible to help them to access services closer to home – reducing the pressure on the local transport network.

“I’m planning to have my say on this important matter and I encourage as many people as possible to join in and share their views.”

Local people can get involved by visiting https://www.hacw.nhs.uk/community-hospitals-.