MIDWIVES today vowed to keep up the pressure on plans to move vital maternity services from Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.
Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt announced that an independent review panel will look at the plans after a trio of local MPs and Examiner editor Roy Wright presented her with a petition of more than 7,000 names and explained the strong feeling the controversial plans had created
The midwives say it is vital that a large town like Huddersfield should continue to have full maternity facilities.
They spoke out after Ms Hewitt ordered the examination of the decision to move some services to the Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax.
A midwives' spokeswoman said: "The midwives of Huddersfield are opposed to the centralisation of obstetric and paediatric services at the Calderdale Royal, albeit with a standalone midwife-led unit in Huddersfield.
"This is a large town with a diverse population and increasing health inequalities.
"It is essential that Huddersfield continues to have a maternity unit with obstetric, paediatric and anaesthetic support to provide a safe and equitable service which meets the needs of the local population."
The Examiner revealed last week how impartial health experts are reviewing the decision to axe services.
