POLITICIANS and campaigners fighting plans to axe two birthing units in the Clyde area could be waiting until the end of the year to learn their fate.

Members of the board of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde were told yesterday that no decision will be made about the labour units at Inverclyde Royal and the Vale of Leven until the head of nursing responds to a national review of maternity services.

Scottish Labour say a key recommendation of the review, which was published last month, for ‘accessible, local delivery of services’ runs contrary to the proposed closures.

Nursing Director Margaret McGuire is expected to address board members at the next meeting in May.

The chairman of NHSGGC, John Brown, said that if the plans are not in line with the findings of the review, they will not go ahead.

It the board votes to press ahead with the closures at the next meeting, they will go out to consultation.

The board say the number of women using the birthing units has fallen significantly.

Women will have the option of giving birth at the Royal Alexandra Hospital or maternity units in Glasgow or opt for a home birth if the plans go ahead.

John Brown, chairman of NHSGGC, said: “If it is consistent with the review we will go to consultation. If it’s not, we genuinely won’t.”

The closures are part of a plan by the board to save around £69million.