COUNCIL bosses have branded plans to close the maternity unit at Fairfield General Hospital in Bury as "detrimental to the future health care of all our residents".
Leaders of Bury Council and Rochdale Council have joined together to condemn the proposals that could see the Royal Bolton Hospital become a super-centre for children's and baby services.
Cllr Wayne Campbell, leader of Bury Council, and his Rochdale counterpart Cllr Alan Brett issued a joint statement saying: "Bury and Rochdale councils are concerned the cluster of maternity and neonatal services around Manchester would be detrimental to the future health care of all our residents.
"For those residents living in our most deprived wards these proposals would mean longer travelling times and financial hardship.
"It is imperative on the grounds of equity and safety that maternity and neonatal services are provided in our area to meet effectively the health needs of all our residents.
"We would urge as many residents as possible to complete the comments form at the back of the consultation document to oppose this proposal."
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