by Mary Graham

Changes to Maidstone’s maternity services came under the spotlight during a fiery exchange between councillors and NHS bosses.

In around two years, it is planned to concentrate maternity services, which include emergency treatments and access to consultants, at the new Pembury Hospital.

A birthing unit staffed by midwives would stay in Maidstone - it would not be able to handle any complications which develop in labour. Money is already in place to build it.

But the changes have caused much debate. Opponents to the plan (pictured) include Cllr Eric Hotson (Con), Maidstone GP Helen Terrell and Cllr Fran Wilson (Lib Dem).

Members of the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust said changes to doctors’ working hours and problems attracting obstetricians would make staffing two units - in Maidstone and Pembury - impossible.

It also says that even without a full maternity service in Maidstone, people would be around half an hour away from other maternity units, including Pembury, Medway and Ashford.

The plans were debated in 2004, but opposition has remained. On Tuesday night the plans were subject to a councillor "call in" where councils can ask bodies such as the NHS or police to explain their plans.

Cllr Fran Wilson, leader of the Lib Dems on Maidstone council, who instigated the call in, said: "Putting a pregnant woman in an ambulance to do the journey to Pembury is downright cruel and is a disgrace to society.

"This was sold to people in 2004 as giving them a greater choice - what a whopper that was."

Cllr Robert Field added: "You say that people would be willing to travel around half an hour but that is patronising the people of Maidstone."

Dr Wilson Bolsover, divisional director for women and children’s services at the trust, said: "I don’t believe anyone will be put at risk by the plans. Women will plan to have their delivery at Pembury Hospital and midwife-led units are safe.

"I am firmly of the belief a single unit is the only way of providing safe services."