RESIDENTS are being given a final chance to air their views on the future of inpatients beds at Altrincham General Hospital.

They can record their opinions by calling into a community marquee that will be in Stamford Square outside Boots, from 10am on March 17.

All views will be looked at by an independent assessor from Salford University and will form the basis for a decision on the future of the hospital.

The 14-week consultation period ends on March 20.

Health chiefs were forced to hold the consultation about the closure of the beds earlier this year, after a High Court victory by health campaigner Pat Morris.

Following a Judicial Review, Judge Mr Justice Hodge ruled the closure of 26 beds at the hospital without public consultation was unlawful'.

Judie Collins, spokeswoman for the Patient and Public Involvement in Health Forum, is concerned that many people still did not know about the consultation: "Everyone has fought so hard and so long to keep Altrincham General at the heart of the community and this is yet another battle to be won."

Altrincham General Hospital currently provides a wide range of outpatient services including a minor injuries unit, which is open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm.

In response to residents' requests, it has introduced a walk-in service for blood tests.

Other outpatient services include audiology, physiotherapy, ear, nose and throat (ENT) and diabetic clinics.

Copies of the consultation document and response forms are available from Trafford Healthcare Trust on 0161 746 2209 or by visiting www.trafford.nhs.uk sam.editorial@messengergrp.co.uk