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Councillors ‘lobby at every level’ against CCG proposals

Councillors ‘lobby at every level’ against CCG proposals
17 September 2013



Councillors have opposed changes to maternity services proposed by the local clinical commissioning group (CCG). 
North East Essex CCG published a report earlier this year discussing a reorganisation of the services in the area. 
But at a meeting last week the council said it would “lobby at every level” to see maternity services retained and improved. 

Councillors have opposed changes to maternity services proposed by the local clinical commissioning group (CCG). 
North East Essex CCG published a report earlier this year discussing a reorganisation of the services in the area. 
But at a meeting last week the council said it would “lobby at every level” to see maternity services retained and improved. 
Suggestions put forward by the CCG would have seen the midwife centre at Harwich’s Fryatt Hospital be closed, or turned into a birthing centre on reduced opening hours. 
Officials from the CCG maintain that no definite decisions have been taken and that options for the consultation, which will start later this year, have not yet been finalised. 
Tendring District Council agreed a motion which states: “The council commits to lobby at all levels and to use its response to the forthcoming consultation about Clacton and Harwich Maternity Units to retain and improve the existing local maternity services that deliver the best patient choice and safety for Tendring families.” 
All political parties supported the motion. 
Tendring District Council (TDC) leader Peter Halliday said: “We were prepared to stay there as long as it took to get the strongest and clearest message across to health bosses about exactly what TDC’s stance is over this crucial issue.
“I was pleased that all sides had an input into the process and that we came up with a statement that everyone could agree with and give it their full backing."

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