Maternity unit threat (From Barry And District News)

Maternity unit threat

PREGNANT Barry women face a 17-mile trip to Cardiff to give birth following a healthcare review.

Llandough's highly-regarded maternity unit is facing closure following an eight-month review of women's services.

Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust's findings reveal that there are not enough midwives and doctors to make running women's services in Llandough, and the University Hospital of Wales (UHW) practical.

And officials have discussed the possibility of closing the local maternity unit, moving all but general gynaecology to the UHW.

Local mums are shocked by the decision.

Sarah Taylor, 25, of Picketston Close, St Athan, said: "I had my daughter Amber, who is now four, in Bridgend and my son Liam in Llandough eight months ago.

"The service given by Llandough was far above what I received during my first pregnancy. It was incredibly busy when I had my son, and that was only Vale patients - imagine what it will be like if that area trebles.

Her husband, James, 35, added: "The roads to Llandough are far better. Bridgend was a nightmare to get to, and the University hospital will be even worse. It will tie up ambulances for hours if they are needed.

"Sarah was in labour when I took her to Llandough. If it had been in Cardiff, with all the traffic, it could have been a problem."

Janet Evans, clinical director of women's services at Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust, said: "Staff are currently offering a good service for maternity and gynaecology but it is not always easy to achieve and they are often working under great pressure."

She added that all there are five options to solving the problem and all these contain enhanced outpatient services in the community.