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HOTC response to the PCT decision
to proceed with option 4
(This editorial was originally published on the home page)
This whole process has been tainted with misleading information
and dare I say lies to ensure that the “facts” fit the decision.
The public have been held in contempt. Nearly 100,000 people in East Sussex have stated categorically that they want 2 consultant led maternity units.
THEY HAVE BEEN IGNORED
The local GPs have stated that they believe that the case for
single siting has not been made and are worried about clinical safety.
THEY HAVE BEEN IGNORED
The Royal College of Gynecology (RCOG) has stated that
single siting in our area will not make the service safer or better
THEY HAVE BEEN IGNORED
The RCOG has also stated that there is no evidence that stand
alone MLU’s are safe and recommend that they are co-located
next to a CLU. Twenty miles apart is not co-located, and even Alan
Johnson, Secretary of State for Health says that 20 miles is too far.
THEY HAVE BOTH BEEN IGNORED
The RCOG has recommended that there be
6 substantive doctors to 1 trainee in a consultant led unit.
THEY HAVE BEEN IGNORED
I could go on and on as we, the campaigners have throughout
the last two years. The PCT is just like a runaway train that
cannot be stopped until it hits the buffers. The only problem is
that this time the buffers will be the life or death of an
unborn child and perhaps that of the mother as well.
Make no mistake if this decision goes ahead within five years we will be back here fighting to save THE CONQUEST, because the numbers will not add up and it will not be viable to keep our CONSULTANT LED UNIT.
- Margaret Williams, HOTC, 21st December 2007
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