PROTESTERS have accused health chiefs of snubbing an 18,000-signature petition opposing the possible closure of Watford General Hospital.

Health workers union, Unison, which has organised a rally against plans to streamline hospital services, has invited West Herts Health Authority chief executive Carolyn Regan to be there to receive the petition.

But she has declined to attend the rally in Charter Place, Watford, at 10am tomorrow (Saturday), and says no one else from the authority can attend.

The health authority has suggested the petition be delivered to its St Albans offices next week.

Unison regional organiser Tracey Lambert said: "I find it inconceivable they do not have a single officer available to attend the rally.

"It is obvious public opinion against any changes is so overwhelming, they are not prepared to defend themselves at the rally."

A health authority spokesman said: "Carolyn Regan has a previous engagement and will not be able to accept the petition on Saturday.

"However, she regularly attends health authority meetings and is happy to answer questions and accept the petition at the meeting today (Friday), or at the health authority during office hours."

Watford MP Claire Ward, Hertfordshire MEP Peter Truscott and Watford Council leader Vince Muspratt will attend the rally.

The health authority is conducting a consultation process on four care options. They are:

Hemel Hempstead or Watford both providing accident and emergency care and working closely to provide joint services

Either Hemel Hempstead or Watford becoming the main hospital for accident and emergency with the other providing planned surgical services

Either Hemel Hempstead or Watford becoming the main hospital and the other a community hospital. St Albans would become a primary care provider unit and Mount Vernon would become a specialist provider for west Hertfordshire.

A new hospital being built, costing £150 million and taking 15 years to plan. Hemel or Watford would become a community hospital and the other would close. St Albans would be primary care provider and Mount Vernon would provide special care.

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