Proposed changes to services on offer at Bridport’s Community Hospital have put the spotlight on the volunteer car service available for elderly or frail patients who in future may need to go much further afield for their treatment.

At a full town council meeting members were told a package of cuts at the hospital had been given the green light.

And councillors on the town’s environment and social wellbeing committee were asked to monitor the situation.

Set to take effect in July, the changes include a reduction of 334 outpatient appointments, with theatre usage dropping from three to two days.

That would mean a significant number of patients having to go to Dorchester or Weymouth and Coun Ros Kayes said that the county council committee had not taken into account a number of issues raised locally including transport solutions for people unable to make their own way to distant hospitals.

“The questions are how much will it cost, where is the money coming from, how long will it last and is there the human resource for a voluntary transport system?” asked Coun Kayes, who is heading the Community Health Campaign, demanding that the scrutiny committee reconsiders its decision.