HAMPSHIRE health chiefs have backed calls by thousands of campaigners determined to save the Royal Hospital Haslar.
Members of the county's health review committee have issued the strongest indication yet that the historic Gosport hospital could be retained.
They have revealed they have serious concerns over whether the options being considered for future healthcare in Fareham and Gosport are in the interests of local patients.
Fareham and Gosport Primary Care Trust (PCT) could now face referral to the government over their plans to overhaul NHS services in the two towns.
PCT board members will not make a final decision until December 15, but have indicated their preferred option to develop community hospitals in Fareham and Gosport and finally axe Haslar.
Members of the health review committee believe more should be done in a bid to keep part of the hospital in use.
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