Campaigners protesting at proposed changes to Paulton’s maternity service have called on the local branch of the Royal College of Midwives for its support.

The Care Commissioning Group (CCG) and health professionals from the Local Maternity Service, want to replace community birthing and post-natal beds with support closer to, or in, women’s homes. A public consultation is currently running at: www.transformingmaternity.org.uk and closes on 24th February.

Major proposed changes to maternity services could see the end of babies being born at Paulton, with women having to go to the RUH, Bath, Frome’s Freestanding Midwifery Unit, or a home birth. Paulton would potentially become a new hub, and would be a pilot model providing ‘wrap around care’ for parents, giving access to a range of services. But babies would no longer be able to be born at Paulton.

Those against the proposals have accused the CCG of ‘diluting’ figures, arguing that bed occupancy is higher than suggested and that women should have the choice of giving birth locally at Paulton. The RUH would benefit from a new ‘Alongside Midwifery Unit’, where care is still provided by midwives, but with the support of a doctor if needed and direct access to an Obstetric Unit. Antenatal and post-natal care would still continue at Paulton.

A meeting last weekend discussed a strategy for a publically-driven campaign, which will be called Save Paulton Maternity Service Campaign Group. Activities include presenting a petition with thousands of signatures to local MP, Jacob Rees-Mogg, and a potential demonstration or march in Midsomer Norton, which is planned for Saturday, 16th February at 11 a.m. This follows a

successful protest in Paulton, which saw television crews descend upon the village. The next meeting will take place on Monday, 11th February at 6 p.m. For more details, or to get involved, email: [email protected]

Once the consultation period closes, a business case is expected in June, reviewed by Hospital Directors, the CCG’s governing body and NHS England. A decision could be announced by September.