Hospital cuts could put lives at risk say campaigners

Jade thinks her son Taylor would've died without the hospital. Credit: ITV West Country

Campaigners say possible cuts at North Devon District Hospital could put lives at risk. Protesters say they're concerned key services such maternity and stroke units could disappear under new plans.

A public meeting is being held on Friday (13/01) night - and it's expected to be packed with people trying to save their local services.

Jade Brown believes both her sons owe their lives to the swift intervention of medical teams at North Devon District Hospital.

Ryan was born at 28 weeks by emergency C-section and spent the next five weeks being cared for there.

Jade Brown's son Ryan. Credit: Family photo

Last August, Taylor had been poorly for four days-unable to get GP appointment and was told it was probably a virus.

Taylor's kidneys were failing. Credit: Family Photos

Jade then called an ambulance which took him to A+E, Taylor had scarlet fever and was suffering from toxic shock.

She's just one of thousands of patients and residents that have joined the protest group campaigning against possible cuts to services.

As the NHS struggles to balance tis finances, they fear nearby stroke, neonatal, paediatrics, consultant led maternity and trauma services could be lost.

Campaigners have been fighting against possible cuts for some time. Credit: ITV West Country

County councillors feel there's a strong case fore extra funding to maintain services in an area where the population is expanding.

Ahead of tonight's meeting, the trust have been trying to reassure people that there are currently no planned changes to downgrade North Devon District Hospital.

Dr George Thomson the Medical Director at the hospital told ITV News that despite speculation at this time there are no plans to cut services.