YOU have just 19 days to have your say on proposals to close Dilke and Lydney hospitals and replace them with a single unit - on a site yet to be identified.

The three-month public consultation on proposals to invest in a new community hospital in the Forest of Dean closes on Sunday, December 10.

Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust and NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group believe that building a new community hospital would ensure high quality care in the future.

But supporters of the two existing hospitals in Cinderford and Lydney say the site for any single community hospital is crucial.

They are also unhappy that the 47 beds across the two current sites is to be replaced by a 24 bed unit.

John Thurston who supports Friends of Lydney Hospital said: “I think we have to be realistic that running two separate hospitals is vey expensive.

“However I believe the health authority will need to taken into account to provide the correct level of services at any new hospital.

“The siting is obviously crucial and I firmly believe Lydney is the correct choice with two suitable sites on the bypass."

Sue Young from Friends of Dilke Hospital said: “It is difficult to know what to say about any new hospital until we now where it is going to be built.

“We are also very concerned about the number of beds in any new unit. Originally they said 24 beds but given there about 47 beds across the two sites that’s not nearly enough.”

Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust says a number of sites are being investigated for their suitability but none has been singled out yet.

Katie Norton Chief Executive of the trust, said: “We want to improve the care we provide in the communities we serve.

"That means understanding exactly what’s important to everyone, whether you’re a patient, a local resident or someone working with us to deliver great health and social care."

• Public consultation meetings will be held at: Cinderford Rugby Club, Dockham Road on Thursday November 23 between 2pm and 4pm, The Triangle, Cinderford on Saturday, November 25 between 10am and 3pm, Lydney Town Hall on November 27 at 7pm, Cinderford Belle Vue centre, November 29 at 7pm and at Coleford’s Main Place on November 30 at 7pm.

You can also complete the survey on-line at: fodhealth.nhs.uk.