Patients and hospital staff from Staffordshire and Hereford and Worcester gathered outside City Hospital in Birmingham at 1100 BST.

Campaigner Andy Bentley said the march was a statement of intent.

Up to 1,000 jobs could go in Staffordshire, various services are under threat in Worcestershire, and 800 posts are to go at City Hospital.

'Get voices heard'

The protestors marched to Centenary Square, urging the government to stop the job cuts.

The rally was thought to be one of the most significant events since a series of job losses were announced.

In Redditch, Worcestershire, the campaigners want services such as maternity, paediatrics and gynaecology to stay at the Alexandra Hospital.

Neal Stote, from the Save the Alex campaign said hundreds of people turned out to have their voices heard.