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Saving small maternity units

Tonight’s news on the BBC had a great story about women and midwives marching on Westminster to demand that the proposed closure of two small maternity units in the west of the country be cancelled. The units, at Malmsbury and Devizes are typical of those lovely smaller units that provide care close to home for many families. The local Area Health Service is claiming that they are “too costly” but after today’s publicity, they have said they will consider the community’s concern (and the 8,000 petition signatures) in May when they make their final decision.

Many smaller units have faced these kinds of cuts and a number have been “re-invented” as midwifery units. There are some great examples in the UK, where not only are women and midwives experiencing normal births, but where the local health authorities are actually saving money.

It will be the economic argument that finally saves midwifery, I am convinced. Community action is also an important ingredient in forcing home this argument and the news item on the news tonight was a beauty. Women, babies, prams, balloons, banners and voices all combined to create a colourful and powerful message.

Midwives and women, working together, can achieve amazing results, and it is to be hoped that those politicians in Westminster were taking note of the strength of feeling on this particular issue.

Posted by andrea at March 30, 2004 05:13 AM

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