LEGAL action could be launched against NHS Gloucestershire if the decision to allow a social enterprise to take over the running of Stroud General Hospital is not withdrawn.

Stroud resident Michael Lloyd, 75, wrote to NHS bosses on Thursday threatening a judicial review if the primary care trust does not stop the transfer due to take place on Saturday, October 1.

Mr Lloyd said he had instructed Leigh Day & Co Solicitors to launch proceedings because he was concerned it was a move towards privatisation, adding that health care should revolve around patients, not profit.

Rosa Curling, from the London-based law firm, said legal action was being launched because NHS Gloucestershire was planning to transfer services to a non NHS body.

She claimed this decision was unlawful because NHS Gloucestershire had not undertaken a 'proper and transparent competitive process', which she warned could result in the transfer being quashed.

Stroud Against The Cuts campaigners, who held a protest march on Saturday, are supporting the move.

Caroline Molloy, of SATC, said: "We have a strong case and are prepared to fight this all the way."

Fellow SATC member Chris Moore, added: "We want the NHS to stay public."

He pointed out that Central Surrey Health Ð the first social enterprise created in 2006 - was taken over by private company Assure Medical after it failed to win a competitively tendered NHS contract, an outcome he warned shows no services are safe from private sector takeover.

However, Jan Stubbings, chief executive of NHS Gloucestershire, said correct procedures had been followed.

"We now have a clear direction with the majority of our community health services becoming part of a social enterprise - working in the community interest and for the social good," she said.

"The new organisation will give staff and service users a stronger voice on how services are run for the benefit of local communities."

SATC is appealing for help towards legal costs.

Cheques made payable to Keep Gloucestershire's NHS Public can be sent to Bernice Boss, treasurer, Keep Gloucestershire's NHS Public, c/o Stroud Against The Cuts, The Exchange, Brick Row, Stroud, GL5 1DF.