Trowbridge Maternity Unit backed by West Wiltshire Councillors

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 17th Nov 2003

West Wiltshire District Councillors from all party groups and Independents came together last week to give their full backing to the Trowbridge Maternity Unit.

At the meeting of the District Council, councillors heard a presentation from a representative of the West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) outlining the findings of the study into Maternity Services in the area.

Duncan Hames discussing the review of maternity services with Jeff Osborn and midwives from the Trowbridge Maternity Unit.

Councillor Newbury encouraged colleagues to agree a response to the presentation, which they did through a resolution proposed by Cllr Hames, Seconded by Cllr Payne, and added to by the Council Leader, Cllr Phillips.

The resolution, which received the support of the whole council, declared:

"This Council sees no justification for any reduction in services or facilities at the Trowbridge Maternity Unit, and calls on the Primary Care Trust to bring to an end the uncertainty over the Trowbridge Hospital facility."

Speaking after the debate, Cllr Duncan Hames, who proposed the motion, said: "On the basis of the evidence presented to us, I can't imagine that the PCT will recommend closure of the Trowbridge Maternity Unit. But if they do, councillors from across the district, from all parties and Independents, will work together to defend this excellent and greatly treasured facility."

The council's Acting Chief Executive will be writing to the PCT to inform them of the position of the council.