A pregnant Colchester woman, who went in to labour more than three months early, was sent to the nearest specialist hospital bed - in Croydon

Now Mandy Winter's furious partner, Chris Potts, has written to Tony Blair to complain about the 73 mile, two and a half-hour journey he and their three other children face to visit her.

Mr Potts, 34, of Queen Elizabeth Way, Monkwick, said: " I am so furious, It's an absolute nightmare.

Missing mum - Chris Potts at home with Billy, 5, Michael, 15 months and Marcus, 8, who haven't seen their mum in days. Picture: ADRIAN RUSHTON

"They just don't have the facilities or the equipment at Colchester to deal with a such a premature birth. We have tried all the nearby hospitals and there isn't a bed for her anywhere."

Ms Winter was ill with a sickness bug when her waters broke on Thursday, just 25 weeks into her pregnancy.

She was taken to Colchester General Hospital, but when doctors realised the birth could be imminent, she was rushed to May Day Hospital in Croydon, South London.

Mr Potts and the midwives from Colchester General have called other hospitals in Chelmsford, Ipswich, Cambridge and Norwich, but there was not a single hospital with both a bed and the proper facilities to care for Ms Winter in case she gives birth.

The problem has been compounded because Mr Potts has had to turn down freelance work to stay at home with their sons, Marcus, eight, Billy, five, and Michael, 15 months.

He said: "I am trying my hardest to hold my family together.

"Our three young sons go to sleep crying for their mum and my partner is worried sick about our unborn child, depressed because she is miles away and hasn't seen a soul."

A spokesperson for Colchester General Hospital said: "We don't have an intensive care unit for premature babies and our special care baby unit is not suitable for babies this young.

"Of course it is very difficult for the family and we are very sensitive towards that, but if mother and baby are well and safe that is the main thing."

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