GOVERNORS at Dorset County Hospital say they "broadly welcome" plans for a major shake-up of local health services.

The hospital's Council of Governors met to discuss their response to the NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Clinical Services Review.

While there were concerns raised about the capacity of ambulance services to cope with the proposed changes and the pressures imposed by a rising population, the governors agreed that it was generally in favour of the proposals for Dorset County Hospital, which maintain the majority of services it currently enjoys.

A draft statement prepared by lead governor Duncan Farquhar-Thomson stated: "The council of governors broadly welcomes the proposals of the Clinical Services Review."

The proposals in the Clinical Services review indicate a preference for Bournemouth being designated as a Major Emergency Centre, with Poole being made a Planned Care Hospital without a fully fledged accident and emergency unit.

Governors were told that discussions were still ongoing between Dorset County Hospital and Yeovil District Hospital regarding a possible collaboration of maternity and paediatric services.

Dr Farquhar-Thomson's statement added: "The council of governors sees the merger of paediatric and obstetric services with Yeovil District Hospital to be essential for both the communities of Yeovil and south Somerset and north, south and west Dorset.

"The council of governors would be totally opposed to transfer of these services to the Major Emergency Hospital due to the travelling times involved and the effect on deprived and vulnerable communities.

"The council of governors accepts the Clinical Commissioning Group's proposal to site the Major Emergency Centre in the east of the county in Bournemouth. Governors would like a provision to be made for Dorset County Hospital's A&E to have sufficient capacity to deal with any increase in emergency workload as a result of the location of the Major Emergency Hospital in the east of the county."

Governors agreed that Dr Farquhar-Thomson should be given authority to amend the draft statement, adding emphasis to the concerns raised about transport times and ambulance services, before it is submitted to the CCG.

The governors are also keen to encourage anyone who has not yet done so to take part in the consultation.

For more information visit csr.dorsetsvision.nhs.uk

The consultation runs until February 28.