MATERNITY services in Burnley have been praised by a Government watchdog - dispelling fears that the childbirth crisis gripping many hospitals nationally would also hit the local area.

The National Audit Commission survey of maternity care at Burnley General concluded that Burnley Health Care exhibited good practice in providing continuity of care for mothers in labour.

Skill levels were appropriate and the strong correlation between staffing and workload at the unit "is to be commended", the survey found.

The study sharply contrasts with a new report from the midwifery regulatory body, the English National Board, which says a national shortage of midwives is causing unnecessary suffering to thousands of pregnant women and may be putting lives at risk.

It states about 15 per cent of midwife vacancies remain unfilled and many mothers-to-be are left without professional support during childbirth.

But that is not the case in Burnley, say Health Trust mangers.

Nursing director Lesley Doherty says Burnley is fortunate in that there is never a problem in filling vacancies.

And Gillian Simpson service manager for the child and women's health directorate says Burnley always achieves one-to-one care for mums-to-be.

"In fact, there was criticism from the audit commission for over-manning of mothers after delivery.

"Our response was that we have a higher proportion of women who need extra care because of socio-economic factors in this area.

"But in any case we would rather be criticised for doing too much than too little."

The audit report's user survey found 95 per cent of mums said they would use the trust's services again.

Said Mrs Simpson: "We are very pleased with the report - we did extremely well and this reflects the hard work of the staff."

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