THE state of NHS services in Bolton will be discussed by at a special ‘Question Time’ style event organised by health campaigners.

The hustings, which takes place this Thursday at the library lecture theatre in Bolton Central Library, will see political activists and doctors explain the challenges faced by the health service.

Chaired by Elaine Dunkley, a health correspondent for the BBC, speakers will include Dr Wirin Bhatiani GP, the chairman of the Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group, MP for Bolton West Julie Hilling and Alan Johnson of the Bolton Green Party.

Campaigner Karen Reissmann of Save Bolton Health Services Campaign will also be on the panel, while the Conservative group in Bolton have agreed to send a representative.

Martin McMulkin, the secretary of Bolton Trades Union Council which organised the event, said he hopes the event will give Bolton residents the change to discuss the future of their health service.

He said: “We have all seen headlines about the recent hospital beds crisis.

“There have been concerns about cuts to health and social care services.”

Ms Reismann said she intended to highlight the effects of increased privatisation of the NHS on Thursday night.

She said: “I am looking forward to this debate.

“Since the Health and Social Care Act in 2012, the amount of NHS services in private providers has increased.

“Since 2010, each year, 4.2 per cent has been cut from NHS budgets with £2.6 billion spent on bank and agency staff.

“It’s no wonder we have had a beds crisis. We need to fight to defend our NHS.”

Ms Hilling MP added: “I am really passionate about our NHS and the future of our public services.

“I know from constituents that a lot of people are very worried about cuts and privatisation.

“A meeting like this is an excellent way of giving people the chance to discuss their concerns about the future of health services that we all rely on.”

Green Party member Mr Johnson added he was looking forward to giving his party’s perspective on how to address the problems in the NHS.

He said: “The people of Bolton need to ask election candidates and those responsible for our NHS where they stand on key issues. We need to maintain our NHS and keep it in public hands.”

The event starts at 7pm on Thursday, January 29.

Members of the public do not need to book, and questions will be taken before the meeting.