Protesters held a candlelit vigil outside the hospital

The aim would be to stop cutbacks in services at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch which may be caused by financial problems.

BBC Midlands Today's health correspondent Michele Paduano said a meeting will be held on Friday.

But Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust's chief executive said the idea was not "realistic".

John Rostill said all trusts were being examined to see if they met the criteria for foundation status, which frees them from government control.

"Worcestershire Acute Trust is in financial difficulty and until we have resolved that issue the Acute Trust will not be suitable for foundation status," he said.

"I therefore find it quite surprising that anybody might believe that the Alexandra at this stage would be so suitable."

Campaigners staged a candlelight vigil outside the site on Thursday in protest at plans which they claim could lead to the loss of maternity and children's services.