THE closure of the maternity unit at the Alexandra Hospital was taken to the NHS’s Trust Development Authority (TDA) today (Monday, November 9) by local MP Karen Lumley and the leaders of Redditch Borough and Bromsgrove District councils Bill Hartnett and Margaret Sherrey.
The trio met with officials from the TDA, which supports and oversees NHS trusts including Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust, in Portcullis House, in the heart of Westminster.
After the meeting it was confirmed that mothers in Redditch will now be able to have their antenatal care and post discharge follow-up at the Alex or other venues.
Mrs Lumley said: “I think we were all stunned at the way this closure was announced and made our feelings clear to the TDA this morning. We obviously cannot condone unsafe conditions at the Alex but made it clear that we would want services resumed as soon as possible.”
Councillor Bill Hartnett, Leader of Redditch Borough Council, said: “We laid out our concerns in the strongest possible terms. The services have been eaten away for five years now, and we have been patient for long enough. All we want is a hospital we can access with the services we need.
“The TDA assured us that the Worcestershire trust is a priority and that they expect the long-awaited Care Quality Commission report into the trust by Christmas.”
Coun Margaret Sherrey, Leader of Bromsgrove District Council said: “The TDA were responsive to our concerns about the future of the Alex, and the services provided from it. We continue to press for a way forward.”
A follow-up meeting is expected in the New Year.
