HEALTH chiefs fear legal action over the impending closure of maternity services at Solihull Hospital.Bosses are to shut the unit in the coming month to prepare for changes that will see doctor-led births removed from April 1.
A full consultation will take place in the autumn on its long-term future.
An NHS report says: “Interim closure of Solihull maternity unit pending consultation is likely to lead to significant political and possibly legal challenge.”
Solihull NHS Care Trust again warns of ‘significant reputational damage’ over the moves.
They argue the current service is putting children at risk as there is not enough doctor cover.
The report – which sets out steps in the coming year – says ‘pro-active’ communication with the press is needed.
Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust has set up a communications website and yesterday posted its first ‘blog’.
Yet SCT and another trust has caused controversy by spending £40,000 on a PR ‘spin doctor’ to argue the case for change.
To read the report click here and open 2010.030 Maternity PID. Click here for all maternity stories.
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