THE findings of a maternity care review has strengthened the case for keeping two community maternity units open, according to Scottish Labour.
The Scottish Government’s Five Year Forward Plan for Maternity Care sets out a key recommendation of ensuring ‘accessible, local delivery of services’ for women.
Labour health spokesman Anas Sarwar said plans by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board to close maternity units at the Vale of Leven and Inverclyde Hospitals ‘run contrary’ to the findings.
Mr Sarwar said: “Shona Robison said she could not act until the National Review of Maternity Services made their recommendations.
“Well, the Review could not be clearer; Maternity services must be accessible through the local delivery of services.
“Shona Robison must step in now and save these two maternity units. The Scottish Parliament made its will clear on demanding the Cabinet Secretary act. There is nothing stopping her.”
The recommendations also include that women should have an appropriate level of choice which should include a ‘freestanding midwifery unit.’
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