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20/02/2008
Maternity Closure Plan Opposed
Despite a claimed all-time shortage of midwives, and increasing pressure on existing maternity services across Northern Ireland as a result, a busy regional maternity facility is to be shut down.
It is understood the Maternity Unit at the Lagan Valley Hospital in Lisburn will close within a year to 18 months.
It is thought that an announcement will be made after a meeting of the South Eastern Trust
The MP for the area, Jeffrey Donaldson of the DUP, said he was totally against the closure.
"The unit has been very successful," Mr Donaldson said.
"My message this morning to the Trust Board will be absolutely clear - we will fight this all the way."
In fact, more than 1,200 babies are born each year at the midwife-led unit that serves more than 125,000 people.
Also, last year the hospital's maternity unit was highly recommended for significantly reducing the number of caesarians sections.
The Royal College of Midwives is also opposing the move, citing a reduction in numbers of qualified staff and an ever-increasing workload.
(BMcC)
It is understood the Maternity Unit at the Lagan Valley Hospital in Lisburn will close within a year to 18 months.
It is thought that an announcement will be made after a meeting of the South Eastern Trust
The MP for the area, Jeffrey Donaldson of the DUP, said he was totally against the closure.
"The unit has been very successful," Mr Donaldson said.
"My message this morning to the Trust Board will be absolutely clear - we will fight this all the way."
In fact, more than 1,200 babies are born each year at the midwife-led unit that serves more than 125,000 people.
Also, last year the hospital's maternity unit was highly recommended for significantly reducing the number of caesarians sections.
The Royal College of Midwives is also opposing the move, citing a reduction in numbers of qualified staff and an ever-increasing workload.
(BMcC)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
