CONCERNS have been expressed about the future of Cirencester Hospital following news of a review of the arrangements for medical cover and possibly other changes.

Mary Hutton, accountable officer at NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group, which provides the medical cover at the hospital, said staff were looking closely at medical cover arrangements that reflect the needs of Cirencester Hospital and its patients.

“We are committed to continuing our positive engagement with local GPs and Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust to look in detail at medical cover arrangements that reflect the needs of Cirencester Hospital and local patients and arrive at the best possible outcome,” she said.

The Care Services NHS Trust is responsible for nursing at the hospital and in and out patient services.

“We feel it’s important that decisions are not rushed and that they are based on consensus.

“We share the CCG Locality GP Executive’s desire to ensure Cirencester Hospital has a vibrant future as a key community asset and are now actively working with the local people and Gloucestershire Care Services on future developments.”

More to come later this week.