Martin tells baby ward campaigners: stay vigilant

Published on Wed 3rd Jan 2007

Speaking to local members of the National Childbirth Trust, Cheltenham's MP Martin Horwood praised the success of the local campaign but warned that the threat to St.Paul's maternity wing had not been lifted yet.

"We've already had to accept that St.Paul's will be downgraded to a midwife-led unit. That's not what even the midwives really wanted but it's much better than outright closure and leaves the door open for the return of a full service in the future. The government is telling the local NHS it still has to save another £6 million this year so the threat hasn't been lifted yet" said Martin. "We were right here with the promise of a nurse-led Battledown children's ward. Then they pulled the plug just weeks before it was due to start. We mustn't let that happen to St.Paul's wing."