Residents are being invited to have their say about plans to cut hospital beds in Sidmouth and East Devon at a series of public events.

The NHS NEW Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is currently holding a 13-week consultation on plans to cut 72 beds.

It has four options on the table and two of them, including the preferred choice, would see Sidmouth Victoria Hospital lose all of its inpatient beds.

The CCG says the cuts are needed to help plug a £384million funding deficit by 2020/21 and to move health services towards caring for patients at home.

There are two public meetings being held at Knowle, Sidmouth, on Monday, November 7.

The first will run from 1pm to 3.30pm and the second will be between 5.30pm and 8pm.

Clinicians will join commissioners at the events to explain the new model of care proposed, with opportunity for discussion.

The CCG says it is important that as many people as possible attend the events to learn more about the proposals and to have their say.

The following events are being held elsewhere in East Devon and Exeter:

• Ocean, Queens Drive, Exmouth, November 8, 1.30pm to 4pm;

• The Beehive, Honiton, November 10, 10am to 12.30pm;

• Whipton Community Hall, Exeter, November 18, 2.30pm to 5pm;

• St Luke’s College, Exeter, November 21, 6pm to 8pm;

• Exmouth Community College, November 22, 5.30pm to 8pm;

• Seaton Town Hall, November 24, 2pm to 4.30pm and 5.30pm to 8pm;

• The Beehive, Honiton, November 29, 12pm to 2.30pm.

To guarantee a place, register by calling 01392 356 084 or emailing d-ccg.yourfuturecare@nhs.net.

The CCG says where there is demand, further meetings will be organised.

The consultation document can be viewed online at www.newdevonccg.nhs.uk.