THE Forest Labour Party has come out in support of extending facilities at the area’s two current hospitals.

The move comes following a debate after health chiefs announced they want to replace the Dilke and Lydney hospitals with a single facility at a location yet to be decided.

Members of the Forest’s Constituency Labour Party want to see more services at both hospitals including maternity, mental health, social and emergency services.

At a well-attended meeting at the Viney Hill Sports and Social Club, party members also called for adequate investment in the two hospitals and that they should be kept in public ownership.

There was also a call for no health services to be withdrawn or hospitals closed.

It was also recognised that there was a need for agreement with GPs, joint working across health and social care, training to support new roles, and an investment in public health

The party will now campaign on this issue and is asking for the support of the public who support the retention of Lydney Hospital and the Dilke.