Hundreds of concerned relatives, service users and staff have signed a petition to save All Hallows Healthcare Trust after it announced plans to close vital services pending a consultation.

The plans were announced on Wednesday as bosses cited financial difficulties as the reason.

Within hours, Jenny Keeler, whose step-sister’s father heavily relies on the service, launched a petition on change.org calling for the service to be saved.

In less than 24 hours, more than 1,300 people have backed the campaign.

Mrs Keeler, who is a student nurse, said: “My step-sister’s dad has dementia and is a service user. He struggles and needs support so he has the home care team visit four times a day and also goes to daycare which has been imperative for him.

“He was quite isolated before that so for him to be able to go somewhere that supports his needs like they do is great.

“I’ve never started a petition before but I really wanted to get behind this. The response clearly shows the passion of local people and the need for this service.

“The news came as a shock. At the end of the day it is a service that many people rely on locally.

“They offer care for patients under 65 when a lot of places in our area don’t.

The trust has been providing care since 1872 and operates a 30 bed hospital, a 50 bed nursing home, a domiciliary care service and a day care service.

An estimated 250 people from across the region receive care from one of the trust’s services each day, while the closure would put 280 jobs at risk.

Health and care commissioners, including Suffolk County Council (SCC), Norfolk County Council, Great Yarmouth and Waveney CCG and the South Norfolk CCG, will work towards securing continuous care throughout the transfer period.

Mrs Keeler said: “We have a 45 day window of consultation where people are uncertain.

“We don’t know what is going to happen. I appreciate the commissioners have a responsibility to provide care, and I was asked why I’m not waiting to see who takes it over, but this is an imperative service and should be kept how it is at the moment.”

To sign the petition, go to: www.change.org/p/andy-evans-save-all-hallows-hospital-healthcare-services-from-closure