A SPECIAL meeting on the future of health services in Redbridge has been planned for next month.

Members of Area One committee agreed last night (Monday) to arrange the event to give residents in Wanstead and Snaresbrook the chance to air their concerns over the proposals - which include plans to remove the A&E and maternity units from King George Hospital.

The plans, set out in a public consultation drawn up by Health for North East London (HFNEL), have caused particular concern in the west of Redbridge since it was revealed that they also include proposals to move stroke rehabilitation services from Wanstead Hospital to King George.

HFNEL say the plans would mean that health services in the borough are better organised and would allow patients to receive more senior clinical imput earlier in their treatment.

The body also claims maternity services would be improved by concentrating them on fewer hospital sites - with expectant mums using Queen's in Romford and Whipps Cross in Leytonstone instead of King George.

It also said most patients who currently use King George's A&E department would continue being able to receive treatment at the hospital's Urgent Care Centre.

A date has yet to be set for the meeting, which is due to be held some time in February.