TROWBRIDGE Birthing Unit delivers more babies than any other, aside from the much larger Princess Anne unit, yet once again Trowbridge health services are under threat.
Closing cost-effective Birthing Units is not only a backward step but a waste of money. The Scottish Executive Expert Group on Acute Maternity Services reported that a maternity service based on doctor delivery in hospitals was too expensive and that midwife-led units were much more cost effective.
That report actually commended Trowbridge Hospital maternity services for their pioneering work.
The Option Appraisal Report on Maternity Services in Portsmouth and South East Hampshire recommended that “units such as Trowbridge birth centre... seem to have much to offer for women, midwives and care providers... The Trust should further explore the Trowbridge model and look at the benefits of using birth centres”.
So why is a nationally recognised birthing unit seemingly under threat?
It is outrageous that a more expensive and less accessible service should be offered to people in place of a much more cost-effective local service.
Why is the consultation on the redesign of the maternity services being held in Melksham? What is the RUH Trust so frightened of?
Are they trying their best to ensure as few concerned people from Trowbridge as possible go to the meeting?
Andy Milroy
Bellefield Crescent
Trowbridge