Farron: Maternity Services Must Not Be Watered Down

Health bosses have confirmed to South Lakes MP Tim Farron that they want to make the temporary changes to maternity services in Kendal permanent.

In a meeting with health bosses, Tim objected to these changes and the impact they would have on local women. Tim has now written to the county council committee which assesses healthcare changes, to urge them to call a halt to the changes.

Despite opposition from the local community, maternity services overnight are currently provided on an 'on-call' basis. Last year, over 1000 local people have signed Tim's petition against the move.

Tim said: "The Helme Chase maternity ward provides an important service for South Lakes women - it must not be watered down. Post-natal care is something which many women value, and I am calling on the Trust to look again at removing this service. I am also very worried about what message the move to an 'on-call' overnight service sends out.

"These changes have led to a reduction in the number of births at the unit. I'm calling on the trust to address this and reconsider these changes so that the unit remains viable.

"Women must have choices available about how they give birth - we must not remove their options."