HOSPITAL bosses have apologised to families affected by the shock decision to close maternity units.

Trust director Amanda Hallums apologised to families who will be affected.

She said there weren’t enough midwives for the high number of births taking place at Colchester General, while Clacton and Harwich maternity units were underused.

“We need to place our resources where the need is greater,” she said.

“We have to regularly take midwives from the Clacton and Harwich units to help provide cover at Colchester, and the board took the view that this position was no longer sustainable.”