Local residents are concerned about possible downgrades in service at Carbonear General Hospital, but the area MHA says there are no such plans in the works.

A rally protesting potential changes has been planned for Saturday at noon, opposite the hospital’s main entrance.

Pat Cullen, an organizer of the rally, says concerned residents attended a meeting with the co-chairs of Health Accord NL earlier this week, and though they were told that there are no plans to cut services, the worries remain.

They are concerned that if they don’t use the services of the hospital, they will be lost, noting that a lot of people are bypassing Carbonear General Hospital and going to St. John’s.

MHA Steve Crocker says he doesn’t understand where such worries about a downgrading in services are coming from, calling them “unfounded rumours.”

In fact, he says, there’s great opportunity for the hospital.

He sees growth in the hospital’s future, and believes it can play an important role in healthcare on the northeast Avalon.