A LABOUR MP was meeting health bosses today to discuss Huddersfield's maternity service shake-up.
Kali Mountford, MP for Colne Valley, said she was trying her best to make the changes work.
She was among thousands of people left disappointed after Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt ruled that many maternity services will move from Huddersfield Royal Infirmary to the Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax.
The changes were planned by the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust.
Ms Mountford said: "The independent reconfiguration panel's verdict was a terrible blow.
"We can now either sulk and shout and achieve nothing or get maximum benefits out of the recommendations."
She was meeting Mike Potts, chief executive of Kirklees Primary Care Trust, today and will also be talking to midwives.
Ms Mountford added: "There are key recommendations that must be dealt with quickly if we are to have proper plan for development of our local maternity services.
"I am insisting on detailed discussions with all those involved, so that we have a comprehensive plan.
"I am not going to let the trusts decide the future without proper democratic input.
"I have been fighting these proposals, but now I carry on the fight for a first-class provision for my constituents."
The changes will leave the Royal Infirmary with a midwife-led maternity unit.
Women who need to see consultants or have specialist treatment must go to Halifax.
The decision brought outrage from campaigners fighting for the right for all local babies to be born in Huddersfield.
Health chiefs say the stand-alone midwife-led unit will be in place at the Royal Infirmary by April, 2008.
Ms Mountford said: "The panel was very clear that the trusts need to develop proper community facilities for children and expectant mums.
"We need to see significant improvements in ambulance services before any changes can be considered.
"There needs to be detailed proposals for transport arrangements.
"Also, maximum effort must go into making sure that as many babies as possible can be born safely in Huddersfield," she said.
"I will be pressing the trusts and Kirklees Council to work together and - with the public - make sure all these recommendations are fully implemented."
