More than 200 people joined a protest today (Thursday, 2 October) to demand that NHS bosses reinstate birthing services at Crowborough Hospital.
The protest rally was organised by the Friends of Crowborough Hospital and Sussex Weald MP, Nusrat Ghani. Crowborough Mayor, Cllr Natalie Whittle also attended.
Concern for the future of the much-loved midwife-led birthing unit in Southview Road has been growing ever since the Maidstone & Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust suspended births at the centre until May next year.
The trust has blamed midwifery staff shortages across the area but have so far not responded to Crowborough News’ question about what it has been doing to recruit midwives and prevent the shortages.
The crowd, waving placards and watched by TV and radio news crews, chanted “Bring back births” and “Give mums a choice, hear our voice”. Among them were people of all ages including young mums who have given birth at the centre, and some who are disappointed they won’t be able to.
Also among the crowd was 83-year-old Kay Southard, who has been a midwife for 48 years – 40 of which have been at the Crowborough Birthing Unit. For the past 12 years she has volunteered at the unit.
She fears the “temporary” pause in births might not be temporary. She said: “I first came here in 1986, and all the time I have been here, they have been trying to close it. They say we’re short of staff but that’s only because they keep taking staff over to Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone.”
Kay said the Crowborough unit is special and so different from services at a large hospital. “Hospitals are like a conveyer belt. They want to get you in and out as quickly as possible. This is a smaller unit, no-one is rushing you home, it’s relaxed and so homely.”
Laura Fletcher is a mum who couldn’t give birth at Crowborough last time because it was closed. “When I was told it was shut, I was really disappointed, and as a first time mum I was anxious and nervous. This unit is a completely different experience, so many people talk about the community feel and the care they receive.”
With her third baby due in February, Emily Turner said she really wanted to have it at Crowborough. “My first two babies were born here and it’s the most amazing birth experience. The midwives were fantastic and it’s a real home from home environment. The after care I’ve had from here has been out of this world. I was adamant I was going to have my third baby here but that’s obviously not now going to happen. I am disappointed, upset, and anxious.”
Kay Moss, from The Friends of Crowborough Hospital was delighted with the turn-out at the protest. “It is absolutely brilliant. We had no idea how many people would turn up and to see so many people just shows much this community values this unit. There are so many generations here too – women with their children, and with their grandchildren.”
She said she feared the births might not resume and has discovered that a number of other midwife-led units in other parts of the country are also under threat. The Friends have submitted an FOI request to the NHS Trust demanding to know who made the decision to pause births, when it was made, and what consultation there had been. Like Crowborough News, they have also asked what the trust has been doing to fill vacancies and prevent staff shortages.
Kay said the Friends would continue the fight. “I think today has sent a strong message to the NHS trust. We want and need our birthing unit open. Let’s hope they listen.”
The original article is available here.
