B&NES Ward Councillors for Paulton, Liz Hardman and Grant Johnson, say they are keeping up the pressure to ensure Paulton’s Maternity Unit remains open.

At the Annual General Meeting of the Clinical Commissioning Group for B&NES, both Councillors were keen to find out if any decisions had been made regarding the proposed closure of Paulton’s Maternity Unit.

Concern was also expressed by Mark Huband, Labour’s North East Somerset Parliamentary Candidate, who added: “On the basis that there are new, young families moving into the area served by the Maternity Unit, it is of concern that Paulton’s Maternity Unit faces possible closure, despite the evident possibility that demand for its services will increase.”

Cllr Johnson also added his concerns that if the proposed closure of Paulton’s Maternity Unit goes ahead, the increased centralisation of services in the RUH will lead to more air and noise pollution, as well as increased traffic congestion and difficulties in car parking at the RUH.

He said: “It is important to remember that the Council has declared a climate emergency, and the RUH Trust should be playing its part. With growing populations in rural areas and significant increases in housing, hospitals like Paulton really need to be utilised to their maximum potential. We have all read about the proposed Clean Air Zone in Bath, and yet these proposals will only lead to an increase in car activity.”

The Councillors were told that as yet, no final decision had been made. The results of all the public surveys were being analysed, and a decision would be forthcoming in September.

Clinical Commissioning Groups in B&NES, Swindon and Wiltshire, already abbreviated as ‘BSW’, may formally merge, it was revealed at the AGM. Tracey Cox, who has been appointed Chief Executive of all three bodies, said: “The main benefit, from a patient persepective, is in reducing variation around commissioning.

“It has been called a postcode lottery. Depending on where you live, you get a different service offer. This proposal will reduce that across BSW.”