MATERNITY bosses have decided to keep Harwich’s maternity unit as an on demand service despite more than half of mums calling for it to be opened 24/7.
A survey carried out by NHS bosses received 233 responses with 59 per cent calling for the coastal units to be reopened around the clock.
But at a meeting on Tuesday the board of the North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group agreed to keep the Harwich and Clacton units as “on demand” midwife-led units, with ante-natal and post-natal care continuing.
Anglia Ruskin University carried out an independent review of the consultation data.
Just 30 per cent of those surveyed supported having the services as on-demand units.
Maternity campaigner Jenny Semple said the CCG had “ignored” the public with the decision.
“It would be like saying at the General Election 60 per cent of people have voted for the Conservatives but we are going to give Labour a chance,” she said.
“What is the point of the consultation?"
Read the full story in this week's Standard, out now.
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