Hundreds back the baby unit campaign

Staff from the neo-natal unit have added their backing to hundreds of other people in the borough who have filled in coupons calling for Bolton to be named the site for a new maternity, children's and neo-natal super-centre.

More than 483 people have already returned coupons to our offices in Churchgate, Bolton, calling for the hospital to be chosen as one of just three super-centres throughout Greater Manchester, East Cheshire and High Peak in Derbyshire.

Hospital workers insist care at the Royal Bolton is second to none, and have praised the work of the Bolton Evening News in supporting their bid to become even better.

Dr Mahesh Yadav, consultant paediatrician and clinical lead for neo-natal services at the hospital, said: "We have an increasing population and increasing delivery rates.

"It would be a real shame for the people of Bolton if it was not picked, because not only would it mean we would not get an expansion in services, but we would also lose our neo-natal ward.

"I think the Back The Baby Unit campaign is brilliant because it's so vital people respond to the consultation."

The Royal Bolton is currently the second busiest maternity ward in Greater Manchester - behind St Mary's in central Manchester - with 4,370 babies born there last year alone.

If it is chosen as a super-centre as part of the £31 million plans, massive investment will be pumped into services, with extra staff taken on.

But if the town's hospital is not chosen, the current neo-natal ward will close, meaning critically ill babies would have to be transferred out of the borough for treatment.

Senior neo-natal nurse Cath McKenzie said: "The campaign is excellent, and a fantastic way of taking the issue to the people. We get a lot of positive feedback from families.

"This is the sort of chance for us that won't come along again for a very long time."

Staff nurse Emma Liggett added: "We need this for further development at the hospital.

"It's a fantastic service, and we're doing everything we can to make sure all the services are here.

"The Bolton Evening News campaign has really motivated all the staff and it's greatly appreciated."

The public consultation into the Making It Better proposals will run until April 13.

The proposals can be viewed by logging on to www.bestforhealth.nhs.uk or at local events, details of which can be obtained by calling 01204 907717 or 01204 390363.

Responses can be made online or by writing to Freepost, Making It Better.

The decision is expected later this year and will be made by representatives from the 17 Primary Care Trusts in the area affected.