Changes to Newark Hospital's A&E unit expected by April

New arrangements for Newark Hospital are expected to be in place by April.

The town's A&E unit is being changed into a facility focussing on minor injuries.

Patients with conditions such as heart attacks, chest pain, strokes or major trauma will be taken by ambulance to other hospitals.

Newark Hospital will still look after people with minor conditions and some patients with long-term health problems.

A GP will also be based there overnight.

Guidelines are being established on bringing as many patients as possible back to Newark to recuperate, once they have had their emergency treatment elsewhere.

The board of NHS Nottinghamshire County is due to receive an update on Thursday. Concerns over travel will also be discussed.

Previously, opposition to the plans to replace the A&E Deparment with a minor injuries unit had included a 5,000-name petition and human chain around the hospital.