Health chiefs have pledged to consider appeals for new services at Hartismere Hospital in Eye, contained in a petition signed by 1,940 people.

The pledge was given in an open meeting hosted by the Hartismere League of Friends which attracted members of the public from a wide area.

It was attended by local MP and medical doctor Dr Dan Poulter and two members of of the Ipswich Clinical Commissioning Group, Dr Imran Quereshi and chief officer Julian Herbert.

Among special services sought by the public are chemotherapy, dialysis, pre-operation and outpatients.

Dr Quereshi said comments made in the petition would be carefully studied.

Dr Poulter said: “It is a testament to the League’s work and the popularity and importance of the hospital to rural communities that so many people came to the meeting to engage with the local health professionals and me.”

Concern was raised about cuts in services at Hartismere, despite an increasing demand, with podiatry appearing to be particularly under-resourced.

Another worry was the very infrequent use made of the expensively refurbished birthing unit. The meeting discussed the future services that could be expanded.

Dr Poulter had already succeeded in securing £1.5m for its refurbishment. He said: “I am pleased the hospital has a secure future in providing services to local people in Eye and the surrounding area.

“After a long fight to save the hospital by myself, the League and others, it was very pleasing to hear how the CCG intended to continue to use this great resource.”

Simone Johnson, Parish Fields Practice manager in Diss, said Diss people wanted to access Hartismere services instead of making longer services to Thetford or Long Stratton..