Baby deaths

Three years ago Bolton was well above the national average for perinatal deaths - the death of babies at birth or soon after - but the following year came below the average

Dr Peter Elton, Consultant in Public Health Medicine with Wigan and Bolton Heath Authority, says the number of still births seems to suggest an obstetrics problem. But a report into the midwifery care at Bolton's Princess Anne Maternity Unit was apparently glowing.

We are surprised that, given Bolton's unfortunate history, the trend for still births was not highlighted, and investigations made, before these latest statistics were compiled.

Pregnant women need to be given an assurance that the care they receive in Bolton is as good as anywhere else. They will not feel any confidence in the maternity service here until the problem about why the number of still births is so high is identified and put right.

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