Up to 20 maternity units in england may have to shut. The closure of small units is unlikely to provide quality gain. If you have the money, advertise and get on.
Government policy has created specialist units in big centres with the belief that bigger means better. The regional health authority made appointments and made sure senior medical staffing was fair spread. If a DGH loses obstetrics department paediatrics would be under threat.
Obstetrics, midwifery and the future of the NHS should be reviewed. How about planning to overstaff small units to ensure that they can provide for the need of the population they serve. The NHS is paid for by every person, so everyone should get decent care.
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