'Everyone will have their say' pledge over Shropshire’s maternity units review
A review of Shropshire’s maternity units is in its early stages but everyone will get a chance to share their ideas, health chiefs say.
The reassurances were made by Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) following concerns by Bridgnorth Town Council that the authority was being left out of talks over the future of the town’s maternity unit.
A review of maternity care is being carried out by Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Groups.
Dr Jessica Sokolov, GP member and clinical director for women’s and children services at Shropshire CCG, said that the temporary closure of the midwife-led units was a decision made by Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust and had no bearing on the review.
She said: “This action taken by the trust has no bearing whatsoever on Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin CCGs’ independent review of midwife-led units, which is currently ongoing.
“If people are not getting the service as outlined by the trust then we want to hear about it. Full details of our review are on our websites and we are currently planning a survey and a set of community workshops to gain people’s ideas and views.
“We are still at the early stages and have just completed a set of in-depth interviews with families and mums-to-be currently using the service along with staff members.
“When the review is completed and, if there is a need for a consultation depending on all the feedback, we will follow national requirements.
“Bridgnorth Town Council will have the opportunity to take part in all the planned activity, along with all members of the public and we welcome their ideas so we can all work together to the shared aim of creating the best possible service for local people.”
Town clerk of Bridgnorth Town Council, Anne Wilson, recently wrote to Shropshire CCG raising fears for the future of services in the town. In her letter, Ms Wilson said the authority had not been involved in discussions of the future of Bridgnorth midwife-led unit – despite previous requests for a seat at the table.
The repeated temporary closures of the more rural midwife-led units have sparked protests by campaigners in Bridgnorth, Ludlow and Oswestry.
Hundreds of people gathered on marches in recent months.
