Petition launched to save maternity unit at Stafford Hospital

Staff at the site have been told that the unit is due to close in January.

Under the changes there would only be a midwife-led facility dealing with low-risk births.

Other women will have to travel to hospitals including Walsall Manor.

The Stafford and Chase branch of the National Childbirth Trust has launched a petition calling for it to be saved.

It has been signed by 200 people in 24 hours.

The unit has been earmarked for closure despite the fact a Government review into its future has not yet started.

Bosses at the University Hospital North Staffordshire, which is taking over Stafford Hospital as part of moves to dissolve Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust following financial problems, say they are ploughing ahead with the implementation of recommendations put forward by administrators even though a Government review into the move will not begin until November.

See also: MP Jeremy Lefroy to meet Health Secretary over Stafford Hospital.

See also: Children's ward axed at Stafford Hospital.

See also: NHS chiefs will allow Stafford maternity unit to close before review.