Joy At News That Government Is To Review Maidstone Maternity Downgrade

8.12.41am GMT Mon 22nd Feb 2010

Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Maidstone, Peter Carroll has reacted with joy to the news that the powerful Health Scrutiny Committee of Kent County Council is to ask the Government to 'call in' and review the decision to downgrade maternity at Maidstone Hospital.

Peter Carroll said, 'I am thrilled for all the people of Maidstone who have signed petitions, written letters and joined our special Facebook group Keep Full Maternity in Maidstone. The fact that this KCC committee has referred this matter to the Secretary of State for Health is a truly massive step forward. The people behind the cross party community action group - Maidstone Action for Services in Hospital (MASH) have worked so hard for a long time. I am really pleased to have been able to support them with my own campaigning on this vital issue'.

Lib Dem Cllr Fran Wilson, leader of the Lib Dems on Maidstone Borough Council spoke passionately at the meeting urging members to vote for referral. Cllr Wilson said, 'The overwhelming majority of local people did not want this downgrade. The original consultation was deeply flawed. Today is a victory for common sense and a great day for Maidstone'.

The decision to refer means that the Secretary of State will now look at the decision again and provides a real chance to stop the downgrade.