A COUNCILLOR and health campaigner has urged people to make a stand and join in the Echo-backed march against proposed cuts to services at Dorset County Hospital tomorrow.

The Dorchester hospital's highly valued Kingfisher Ward and Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) have come under threat following a review by the Dorset Clinical Care Commissioning Group (CCG) of local health services.

A proposal being considered could see children who need long term care or who are seriously ill transferred to Poole or Bournemouth.

There has been a joint statement issued on behalf of Dorset CCG, Poole Hospital and DCH to the Echo which says nothing has been decided and any decisions about children's healthcare in the county will be made next spring.

But in response to the proposals being proffered, local parents have organised a protest march tomorrow in Dorchester, which is being backed by the Echo.

Cllr Ros Kayes, who will be speaking to the marchers before they set off, said: "We really want people to come along and show the strength of feeling about this.

"It's hugely important the CCG realises how essential these services are to people and how important it is that they are kept local.

"They clearly don't understand the impact it will have on local families if they move them to the east of the county.

"We need as many families as possible to come along to the march and show exactly how they feel about it."

More than 700 people have already confirmed they are attending the march, which sets off from Top O'Town car park in Dorchester from 11am.

Campaigners says they have been overwhelmed with support for their efforts to save the hospital wards and are keen to see as many people as possible out on the streets of Dorchester.

The march is designed to be a family friendly occasion with fancy dress and plenty to keep children entertained and will finish in the county town's Borough Gardens ahead of an open air cinema event planned for the afternoon.

Cllr Kayes spent last Saturday in Bridport town centre urging people to sign the Echo's petition against the proposals.

Cllr Kayes said: "I hope they will take it out of the consultation."