by Angela Cole

The government's plans to halt hospital reconfiguration plans have been welcomed by Maidstone and the Weald MP Helen Grant (Con).

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has said that he intends to halt hospital plans such as the proposals to take specialist maternity services away from Maidstone Hospital.

Writing in the Telegraph on Friday, Mr Lansley said: “Some of these closures, or reconfigurations, of local services are based on disputed or flawed evidence, and do not pay due attention to clinical opinion. Some have lacked real public engagement beyond a cursory consultation. Most do not reflect the choices that patients or GPs would make if they were in control.

"Unfortunately, I cannot re-open previously concluded processes nor halt those that have passed the point of no return, with contracts signed or building work started. But the majority of cases are ongoing and we have an opportunity for a new approach."

But he added: "As of today, I am calling a halt to the current process. I have asked Sir David Nicholson, the chief executive of the NHS, to inform the service of this immediately and to signal a complete change to the way we deal with these issues. This moratorium will provide a chance to reset every proposal, to reconsider every decision and to ensure that in each case they are consistent with key criteria."

The new criteria includes: demonstrating clinical evidence underpinning proposals; that they must have the support of the GP commissioners involved; they must genuinely promote choice for patients and the process must have genuinely engaged the public, patients and local authorities.

The proposals by the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust to move specialist maternity services to the new Pembury Hospital when it opens have had an initial review by the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP) and are awaiting a decision by the Health Secretary.

A spokesman for the IRP today (Monday) said that they were not aware of any changes to the process currently.

Mrs Grant, who met Mr Lansley shortly before the election, said: “I am thrilled to hear of our election pledge coming through so quickly.

"It just goes ton show that our voices have been heard loud and clear and we can make that difference. This is not the end of the story but the new criteria the NHS trust will have to meet in order to get their plan through looks especially difficult here in Maidstone, not least because of the marvellous unified campaign and public support that exists to keep a full maternity service in Maidstone.

"This change will provide an opportunity for GPs to work with community leaders and their local authorities to take the reins and steer their local services to improve quality standards and outcomes."