Impending cutbacks at the walk-in health clinic in Berwick drew more than 400 concerned citizens to a public meeting Wednesday night to voice their concerns.

Starting Oct. 1, West Kings Memorial Health Centre outpatient department will only be open four hours every day. It's now open 14 hours a day.

Janet Knox, CEO of Annapolis Valley Health, said they are trying to cope with a $3.9 million budget shortfall.

"As an organization, we have no choice but to balance the budget, so we have to take some resources out," she said.

Judy Dominey-Crocker helped gather more than 3,000 signatures to protest the decision.

"Berwick Health Centre is part of the Valley community, and people are very emotional about that, and we recognize the fact that especially in an aging population that we all need healthcare," she said.

Dr. Robin Bustin, who has worked at the outpatient department since 1981, is calling for sober second thought.

"I think there could be some change, staff it a little differently, find some places to cut cost if that's necessary, but I still think we should have a walk-in clinic seven days a week as we have," he said.

Reg Patterson, who recently received treatment for a tick bite, said he's worried about losing easy access to healthcare. He said his other option would be to go to the Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville.

"When I get there I would have to wait anywhere three, four, five hours, most likely, in order to get service. I'd spend my whole day pretty much in there trying to get the service that I'd get here in Berwick in one hour," he said.

"I'm very concerned for myself and very concerned for the whole town because part of the reason of being here is because they know there's a healthcare facility here that they can rely on and go to."

Kings West Liberal MLA Leo Glavine is forming a committee to fight the clinic cutbacks.

But the Annapolis Valley Health Authority said the business plan will move ahead as scheduled next month.