Maternity plans face scrutiny

Mothers-to-be could face a 20-mile journey

Health leaders are asking the public if they support plans to close maternity wards in North and East Yorkshire.

The move by Scarborough and North East Yorkshire NHS to streamline the service would save £500,000 a year.

But the plan would lead to the closure of maternity wards in Malton, Whitby and Bridlington - forcing some mothers-to-be to travel more than 20 miles to Scarborough.

The trust will now appoint a non-executive director to gauge public opinion.

A spokesman for the trust said any action taken would not place lives at risk.

He said: "The trust is determined to find a balance between delivering a cost effective, efficient and equitable service."

The closure plans have been criticised by the National Childbirth Trust who say it will take much longer for parents to reach hospital.

Spokeswoman Lucy Hjort said: "I do not think unless you've sat in a car with contractions for half an hour you know how traumatic and difficult that can be."