�Hundreds of people have signed a petition against cuts to health services in Barking and Dagenham.

The council launched the campaign at a St George’s Day event, where over 400 residents signed the document asking the government to protect �local health services.

The petition demanded no “damaging and short-sighted cuts” along with “immediate improvements to local hospital services, especially Queen’s Hospital and local �maternity services,” keeping walk-in centres open and �preventing cuts to GP surgeries opening hours.

Last month, the Post �revealed how dozens of services targeting obesity, teenage pregnancy, vascular risk assessment, as well as a new community hospital, had been scrapped as part of a �5.4million savings package.

Cuts to GP extended hours and the Dagenham Walk-In Centre, Broad Street, are �under review. The plans are a �response to government proposals to deliver �20billion in NHS savings �during the next three years.

To sign the council’s petition go to www.lbbd.gov.uk/Health/Pages/HealthPetition.aspx

Meanwhile the Reconfiguration Panel (IRP) – an �indendent body reviewing NHS services – is asking residents, interest groups, patients, clinicians and other health staff to give their views on changes to health services in four North East London boroughs, including Barking and Dagenham.

The move is part of a review commissioned by health secretary Andrew Lansley.

n You can contact the IRP by emailing info@irpanel.org.uk or call 020 7389 8046.