A HOSPITAL chief says changing maternity service in north Essex is not about saving money, but addressing inequalities.

The Gazette recently revealed there were proposals to close maternity units in Harwich and Clacton as part of a review outlined in the Department of Health’s Maternity Matters document.

The policy requires all local health authorities to review their maternity services and ensure the services they provide are equal for all expectant mothers.

Peter Murphy, chief executive of Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust, said the changes would address inequalities in the current service.

He said: “Against the standards put in place by Maternity Matters there are currently clear inequalities.

“There are less midwives for each expectant mother in Colchester than there are for prospective mums living in Clacton or Harwich and this needs to be addressed.

“Another issue is safety. Although there is a 24/7 service in Clacton and Harwich it is for low-risk births only.

“If there are any complications, the mums get transferred to Colchester anyway.”

He added: “The dilemma is that you can give false assurances, from a mum’s point of view, that you are going to hospital when in fact it is no better than giving birth at home.”

Mr Murphy said the hospital’s policy was to increase and encourage home births as much as possible.

He insisted the proposed plans were not a money saving venture, but admitted it wasn’t economically viable to keep the Clacton and Harwich maternity units open around the clock.

He said: “My genuine belief is that this plan isn’t about saving money, but improving patient care and giving expectant mothers more choice.

“But what I would say is that the inequalities in the current service mean that there are potentially wasted resources.”

A consultation, which is expected to take place later this year, will last for around 13 days and will include public meetings to discuss the possible changes to care.