REGARDING the possible closure of Ward B1, the midwifery-led care ward at the maternity unit at Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn, I write with a good example of why it should not be closed.

I was admitted there in August, 1997. As a first-time mum, I needed as much help, advice and care as I could get.

The midwives on the ward had time and patience to look after both my new daughter and myself. They also told me that I could stay in for as long as I wanted or until I felt confident with my new baby. I subsequently stayed four days.

My friend, on the other hand, gave birth to her daughter last week and was supposed to be admitted on to Ward B1. But she was induced which resulted in her being admitted on to Ward C9, the consultant-led ward.

This was her first pregnancy, too, and she was looking forward to being admitted on to Ward B1 because I had told her how excellent the care was. Unfortunately, she did not receive the same care as I did. She was asked by the midwives if she would not mind being sent home only 24 hours after giving birth because the ward was extremely busy and they were running out of beds.

My friend did not want to go home, but agreed to. She now seeks help and advice from her local midwife and, in particular, from me - which is wrong.

The point is: if Ward B1 is closed this problem will increase. Surely, it is better to have adequate beds so that the patients can all be treated with time, care and patience, rather than being "pushed out" when they do not want to be sent home.

We appreciate this problem is not down to the midwives. We know they do their best, but they would be able to spend more time giving out advice and caring for patients if Ward B1 was kept open.

NICHOLA DUCKWORTH, Feniscowles, Blackburn.

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