WOMEN are to be given the chance to take a closer look at proposals to close the labour ward at St James's Hospital in Leeds.

As part of proposed changes to

services at Leeds General Infirmary, St James's Hospital and Wharfedale Hospital in Otley, an informal

consultation is due to take place in Otley next month.

And representatives from The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, senior midwives and consultant

obstetricians will be at Otley Methodist Church Hall on February 10 to answer questions and discuss the changes.

Evie Chandler, from the newly formed Wharfedale National Childbirth Trust, which is helping to organise the event, said she hoped as many women as possible would go.

"The day is part of a series of public consultations because of proposed changes to maternity services currently offered in the two Leeds hospitals and Wharfedale hospital.

"Trust managers, senior midwives and consultant obstetricians will be present to explain the proposed changes and ask for feedback from the public," said Mrs Chandler.

At the moment, women expecting babies have the choice of going to Wharfedale Hospital or Harrogate District Hospital for all their

antenatal care. They can then have their babies at either St James's Hospital or the Clarendon Wing at the Leeds General Infirmary or at Harrogate.

A spokesman for the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said the information day was an informal event aimed at sharing information with people and was not part of the Leeds Health Authority's own public consultation which would take place later on.

He said it was not proposed that antenatal care was removed from Otley but that births in the future be centred at the LGI's Clarendon Wing.

"It is an informal meeting for people in the Otley and Wharfedale area just to give people more idea about the proposed changes before the formal consultation.

"I don't think there will be a significant change for women from the Otley and Wharfedale area," the spokesman said.

l The information day takes place from 10 am to 1pm in Otley. Lunch and a free creche are available, transport is possible. To book a place on the creche and for more details, telephone Carol Burns on (0113) 2762851.

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