CAMPAIGNERS fearing for the future of the NHS in Dorset are to stage a protest this week.

The Dorset Health Campaign is joining forces with other local groups to rally outside the Dorchester offices of the Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

The CCG, which is led by local GPs, is responsible for securing the NHS health services needed in Dorset.

A letter will be delivered to CCG chairman Dr Forbes Watson detailing the questions to which local groups want answers and demanding 'transparency' about cuts to local NHS services that are planned following the Clinical Services Review.

There will also be entertainment from costumed characters of the Cartoon Action Theatre, a local community theatre group.

A major review into the way healthcare is provided in Dorset was launched by the CCG in October, in a bid to make the service more efficient in the face of changing healthcare needs across the county and to help cut costs.

As reported in the Echo, the review was criticised after it was revealed it will cost the NHS £2.75million. Campaigners say there are fears the review will lead to privatisation within the service.

The CCG says it will consult the public about the findings in the review and 'implement any changes necessary to improve health care for people in Dorset'.

A spokesman for the Dorset Health Campaign said: "The government wants local Clinical Commissioning Groups to chop another £30 billion from the NHS on top of the £20 billion already taken since 2010.

"Patients in Dorset fear reduced services and even hospital closures."

The health campaign claims the CCG has decided on preferred solutions for the NHS by is holding off until after the General Election.

The CCG says it is still working hard on the review but is mindful of restrictions in place during purdah when public organisations shouldn’t do anything which might distract attention from or influence the election.

The protest comes after the Weymouth and Portland Health and Wellbeing Group pleaded with the CCG not make changes at Dorset County Hospital.

The health group sent a letter to Dr Forbes Watson in an attempt to highlight its fears over DCH, and the possibility of services being transferred from the Dorchester hospital to Bournemouth or Poole.

The protest by Dorset Health Campaign will be held outside Vespasian House in Dorchester at 11am on Wednesday.