"Central planning threatens local maternity provision in Ashford" - Took

10.52.29pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 6th Feb 2007

The Government's children and maternity 'tsar' has called for regional super-centres for maternity services.

Under new proposals some English hospitals would have to be stripped of doctor-led maternity care and specialist children's services.

The government's 'tsar' Dr Sheila Shribman said "Women will not be losing access to a consultant should they need one, it might not just be down the road."

How this would 'improve' local maternity care in Ashford has stumped Liberal Democrat campaigner Chris Took. "How can more centrally directed changes to maternity services add up to the best local provision?"

"For a woman who is eight months pregnant, travelling an extra 30 minutes is not only inconvenient but could be damaging to her health."

"This model pays scant regard to choice in provision, which should be available to all women."

Changes to maternity and other healthcare services are 'ongoing' according to Central government - despite a background of protests from local people and even Labour ministers.

"The Government's drive towards regionalised care is back to front and driven by financial panic. They are shutting local services and moving care away from hospitals in a desperate bid to save money."

"Maternity care should be available to mothers in the setting which will benefit them the most."