A ROSSENDALE councillor has slammed a decision to permanently close the maternity units in Rochdale and Bury as it leaves new mothers and their babies at risk.

Whitworth councillor Lynda Barnes has been campaigning against the closure of the maternity unit at Rochdale Infirmary since an interim decision was made to centralise the services in 2004.

But yesterday health chiefs rubber-stamped their plan to close maternity services in Rochdale, Fairfield General Hospital and Salford to make way for three ‘super-centres’ including the new £44million women and children’s super centre in Oldham.

Expectant mums in Bacup and Whitworth will now have to travel up to 15 miles for maternity care from either the Royal Blackburn Hospital or the new Oldham centre.

Coun Barnes said: “I am absolutely appalled.

“I don’t think the powers that be have considered all of the implications.

“I have no doubt that we will see more babies born by the side of the road or at home because the journey to the hospital was literally too long.

“This decision has put new mothers and their babies’ lives at risk.

“In winter the journey will be impossible to either hospital.

“I will be taking this further.”

Bosses from NHS North West said the programme would not only centralise expert care but that it could also save the lives of 20 premature and sick babies each year.

Coun Barnes added: “I very much doubt withdrawing services completely can help new mums in Whitworth and Bacup.”

Health bosses gave the seal of approval for the multi-million pound Making it Better scheme, which aims to improve services for women, children and babies across the county.

The units are expected to close later this year.