Rallying cry to save Shropshire's maternity units

A petition calling for the Government to intervene in planned changes to Shropshire’s smaller maternity units in places such as units in Bridgnorth, Ludlow and Oswestry was started in December last year, with no fixed deadline.

But unexpectedly supporters now only have a matter of days to sign it as all government petitions are being closed ahead of the forthcoming General Election.

Ludlow mother and maternity campaigner Alison Hiles said matters had been complicated by the ordering of a review into avoidable baby deaths linked to Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

But she added the campaign to stop the small town units being converted to “birthing centres” that would close over night was still active.

Urging supporters on social media, she said: “I have recently received an email regarding government petitions. Unfortunately, due to the General Election all live petitions will close on May 3.

“Please could you share this as much as possible because we do not have much time left.

“Things have gone a little quiet because of the current investigation with SaTH – but the threats have not gone away and are still very real. Thank you.”

She will be out and about collecting paper copies of the petition this Bank Holiday weekend.

The petition currently has more than 2,000 signatures after it was started by mother Bobbie Brown, who lives in Worfield, near Bridgnorth.

She said: “Bridgnorth and Ludlow midwife-led units are in danger of becoming ‘birthing units’ and being closed over night.

“We need to fight to keep these amazing services open 24 hours a day as they are now.

“We have growing support now for all three maternity units – Bridgnorth, Ludlow and Oswestry.”

The petition can be found online at petition.parliament.uk under Save Bridgnorth and Ludlow Maternity Units.