I am dedicated to maintaining high quality health care, and have visited Wealden’s local hospitals where the commitment and passion of our doctors and nurses deserves to be matched by the Trust.
Charles Hendry MP has been such a strong voice in this area, especially for Crowborough Hospital. I intend to follow his lead, to maintain the highest quality local health care while supporting the Friends of Crowborough Hospital, and also the mums’ Campaigning Group for Crowborough Birthing Unit which is such a valuable local resource.
Since 2013 I have joined campaigners and Richard Hallett from Friends of Crowborough Hospital in highlighting the superb work and dedication of medical staff at the Crowborough Midwife led Birthing Unit.
With High Weald residents at 70% confirming they want the Midwife Led Unit to remain at Crowborough. Coupled with a Friends and Family survey showing 100% satisfaction with the service and care, this Unit is vital to the community.
However, the service has been under threat with ad hoc closures due to Midwives being re-located at short notice. This was raised on a recent tour to the Birthing Unit. I was given a tour by the Community Midwifery Matron Emma Chambers and was shown additional facilities that have been secured through community fundraising. The Unit continues to provide first class care and support for mums and families.
Matron Emma Chambers, shared her concerns on regular closures and Midwives being diverted to Hastings. Not only does this disrupt care offered to local mums, but removes Crowborough Midwives who have trained to support Midwife Led Birthing Units to an obstetrics department over an hour away in Hastings.
I was also disappointed to hear that ante-natal classes have been stopped due to staff shortages.
The Birthing Unit is a clear example of how local community facilities can work. I will continue to work alongside Richard Hallett to get consistent and long term commitment for the Birthing Unit.