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Prams to the streets in protest!

15/ 3/2006

MACCLESFIELD mums are taking their prams to the streets in support of our hospital's maternity unit.

A pram push and rally has been organised for Saturday, March 25, and the people of Macclesfield and surrounding areas are being urged to march through the town to let their views on the proposed closure of the children's and maternity services be known.

Macclesfield Hospital staff are urging all parents, grandparents, mums-to-be, children and patients from across East Cheshire to join the pram push on the day before Mothers' Day.

Midwife Gaynor Warren said: "We want to draw attention to what's going on and raise awareness.

"We are hoping for a big turnout and would love to see as many people as possible come and support the hospital."

Carrying pink and blue balloons, the pram push will start at 1.30pm, departing from the Clock Tower at Macclesfield Hospital and then make its way up Chestergate to gather with other shoppers outside the town hall.

At 2pm, Sir Nicholas Winterton MP, who has backed the campaign to save children's and maternity units in Macclesfield from the start, will deliver a rallying speech, which Silk FM will be broadcasting.

The pram push and rally has been organised in response to the Making it Better public consultation on proposals to close children's inpatient and maternity services in Macclesfield.

If the review's preferred option is given the go-ahead, expectant mums and ill children would have to travel to other hospitals including Stepping Hill in Stockport, Wythenshawe as well as Leighton or those in central Manchester.

The campaign to save services is supported by the Macclesfield branch of the Royal College of Midwives.

Public consultation ends on Friday, May 12 - so the people of Macclesfield have until then to vote for Option D, the only option retaining services in Macclesfield, via www.bestforhealth.co.uk.

Alternatively email consultation.response@gmsha.nhs.uk or write to FREEPOST, Making It Better.

Copies of the consultation document which contains response forms are also available by ringing FREEPHONE 0800 587 2901.