Protesters march against South Devon hospital closure

Health campaigners in Devon have marched through the town of Ashubrton to protest against a recommendation to close the town's community hospital.

More than 250 people joined the march this morning after the announcement yesterday that the hospital was likely close along with three other in South Devon in an effort to save millions for the NHS.

The other community hospitals listed for closure are Paignton, Dartmouth and Bovey Tracey.

The South Devon and Torbay Clinical Commissioning Group will make a final decision on whether the hospitals have to close next Thursday.

The hospital is one of four recommended for closure by the South Devon and Torbay Clinical Commissioning Group. Credit: ITV News/Jeff Welch

Buckfastleigh Town Councillor, Andy Stokes, said

But the CCG defended the recommendation to close the hospital, saying it had to recognise healthcare needs and the way management of the health service has to change.