THE Leader of the Green Party has spoken out in support of people campaigning about plans to transfer the running of community health services in Gloucestershire to a social enterprise.

Campaigners argue the move to transfer county hospitals and various health services to a social enterprise company is a step towards privatisation.

It comes as a legal case has been launched by Stroud resident Michael Lloyd to stop the transfer of more than 3,000 NHS health staff out of the NHS to the social enterprise.

An interim injunction will also be sought to stop the proposed transfer taking place on October 1.

Green Party leader Caroline Lucas said: "By drafting in private companies to deliver essential healthcare, the county risks undermining the very principles on which the NHS is built."

NHS Gloucestershire chief executive Jan Stubbings said all applicable policy and guidance was followed when making the decision.

She said: "We have always been committed to engaging with our communities on the opportunities and challenges ahead. We believe we have identified the most appropriate solution for the future."