Fierce opposition to maternity changes (From Barry And District News)

Fierce opposition to maternity changes

OPPOSITION is growing to the proposed changes to maternity services at Llandough hospital.

Opponents to the changes unveiled last week say vital facilities and resources will be taken away from women in Barry and the rest of the Vale.

A member of the Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust Patients' Panel has called the consultation process a sham.

A spokesperson for the campaign group Parents at Llandough said: "After having reviewed the official consultation document for the "What Women Want Review", we remain convinced that it is vital to say NO to the current proposed changes that will directly affect women in both Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. The Review lacks any substantial evidence as to the way in which the public has been involved in the consultation process that has informed the proposed changes. Secondly, it leaves readers with the false impression that services in general will improve.

"However, this is not the case, and vital facilities, resources and choices will be drawn away from Barry, Penarth, and the rest of the Vale. The Review highlights the Trust's focus on medical staff, equipment and resources, with little regard or mention of the possible implications and dangers that mothers, fathers, and new-born-infants in this region are about to face. Please get involved, have your say and visit our website: www.p-a-l.org.uk.If it is just one baby that gets harmed as a result of these changes, it is one to many."

Robin Williams, of the Cardiff and Vale NHS patients' panel, said: "If ever there was a time for the public to assert itself, it is before this sham consultation is over. I wonder what the result of the consultation will be when both LHBs have prejudiced the outcome of the public meetings by already telling us what they intend to do regardless of public opinion.