Mothers who have been campaigning for more midwives have been given a boost following an independent review.
Hopeful - campaigners outside the maternity unit in Braintree. Picture: ADRIAN RUSHTON 41084-1
The report has suggested more midwives are employed across mid-Essex, and could mean the maternity unit at William Julien Courtauld Hospital, in London Road, Braintree, could finally open around the clock.
The review was commissioned by the Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust, Witham, Braintree and Halstead Care Trust, Chelmsford Primary Care Trust and Maldon and South Chelmsford Primary Care Trust.
Juliet Walton, of the hospital campaign group, said: "It's very encouraging that we have achieved something. We have been working so hard for the last year. In the past this has been a low priority, but they have been forced to turn it into a high priority."
Joanne Triggs, a spokeswoman for Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust, said the independent report was intended to improve services. She said the possibility of employing more midwives would be looked at along with other recommendations.
Published Thursday, February 17, 2005
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