Warning Over Maternity Services Highlights Threat Posed By Hospital Financial Crisis

Liberal Democrats have reacted with grave concern to the stark warning delivered by Bedford Hospital Trust over the future of maternity services in Bedford.

The trust's latest consultation document explains that in future budget pressures could force pregnant mothers to travel more than 20 miles further for maternity services, in spite of the fact that it is acknowledged that this would result in increased risk to mother and baby and is not the preferred option in anything but financial terms.

Commenting on the issue, Liberal Democrat Deputy Group Leader Cllr Christine McHugh said:

"This threat to maternity services in Bedford could prove to be the thin end of a very large wedge, particularly with the Strategic Health Authority's Acute Services Review looming next year.'

"The threat that hangs over essential local services in Bedford is clear. The double-whammy of having to balance the books this year and pay back the previous year's deficit in no time at all has already resulted in job losses, bed closures and cuts to services delivered locally. The provision of locally-delivered quality health services is being squeezed in the drive to cut costs and this latest warning should only strengthen the resolve of all local campaigners to ensure that the government and the Strategic Health Authority receive that message loud and clear from Bedford."