LOBBYING by politicians and residents opposed to the transfer of maternity services from Hemel Hempstead General Hospital to Watford has won an independent Government review, it was announced this week.

The decision by Under Secretary of State for Health Lord Hunt to implement the review was warmly welcomed by St Albans MP Kerry Pollard. He said: "I'm delighted. He has taken on board our real worries that Hemel will be a shadow of its former self if these moves do go ahead."

The announcement follows a shock decision taken by the Hertfordshire Partnership Trust at the end of September to close the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) based at Hemel Hempstead Hospital due to "safety concerns" and move it to Watford.

This decision caused West Hertfordshire Hospitals Trust to make a further unexpected announcement that it would be forced to move in-patient obstetrics and gynaecology alongside SCBU in the interest of patient safety.

These decisions, taken without public consultation, created an outcry among residents, politicians and health professionals, across St Albans district and beyond and a campaign opposing the scheme has collected more than 20,000 signatures to date.

In a letter to Mr Pollard this week, Lord Hunt said the aim of the review was: "To provide a completely fresh perspective on the issue and to make recommendations that will ensure the best possible response to the difficulties at Hemel."

He also called for the work to be carried out "rapidly and meticulously" to see whether the initial decisions were the "most appropriate form of action", and whether there were "alternatives".

Mr Pollard said he was confident the recommendations made following the review would be implemented by the Department of Health. He said: "I cannot believe that the health minister would commission a report and then ignore its recommendations."

St Albans district councillor and portfolio holder for health Robert Donald said: "This is an absolute vindication of the position we took as a cabinet.

"It doesn't necessarily mean the original decision will be completely reversed. But at the end of the day I think we will get a low risk birthing unit at Hemel which we wouldn't have got otherwise."

In a statement from the partnership trust a spokesman said: "We will offer every assistance to this process and like Lord Hunt will want to see the work undertaken rapidly and meticulously."

The spokesman raised a note of caution, however, adding: "If this evaluation presents us with a safe alternative to the temporary transfer, then we will reopen the unit and retain the in-patient obstetrics and gynaecology service at Hemel."

Partnership trust chairman Hattie Llewelyn-Davies said the decision to move the SCBU to Watford even temporarily had been a "difficult one" but its priority was a "safe and effective service".

Meanwhile, patient watchdogs the North West and South West Herts Community Health Councils, which joined in welcoming the review, will discuss its response to the health moves at a meeting on Wednesday at St Albans District Council offices in committee rooms one and two at 7.30pm.

November 8, 2001 18:30