Rother Council slammed over Conquest

The Cabinet, which is comprised of just seven councillors, voted to retain a consultancy led maternity unit at the Conquest Hospital at the expense of the service at Eastbourne's District General Hospital.

This was Option 4 of a consultation process on the future of maternity services, being conducted by the Primary Care Trust.

They overturned an earlier decision by the overview and scrutiny committee who had decided to go for Option 5 which said any cut in services was unacceptable and called for consultant led maternity services to be retained at both Hastings and Eastbourne.

The cabinet has joined ranks with its counterpart at Hastings which also voted for Option 4.

Margaret Williams, chairman of Hands Off The Conquest, said she was disgusted by the Rother Cabinet decision

She said: "I fail to understand how just a handful of councillors making a decision on such a huge issue that effects the whole community can be democracy. All the councillors should be given a voice.

"Whatever happened to local councillors fighting for their constituents best interests?

"They are making a grave mistake and it is a parochial and dangerous road to go down.

"While all councils were standing firm that they did not want to see any reduction in health care in East Sussex we had a strong case. They have fallen into the trap of divide and rule.

"Why do councillors feel justified in voting for a second rate service in East Sussex?"

"How will they live with themselves after the first mother or baby dies as a result of this decision?"Rother council leader Carl Maynard defended the decision and said: "We listened to the presentations and studies all the facts before us. We will not support any downgrading of the Conquest Hospital. we want it to be a centre of excellence and we are looking at the long term viability.

"If Option 5 were to happen there is a real danger that both hospitals would lose there teaching status.

"It is hard to see how hospitals with a low number of birth through-puts could attract high quality consultants. They are not wanting to go to those hospitals.

"Many councillors had it as part of their election manifesto that they would not support any downgrading of the Conquest.

"I believe the Hands Off the Conquest group have put up a smokescreen as they have now aligned themselves with the Save the DGH group at Eastbourne.

Cllr Ian Jenkins said: "There was a disappointing public attendance at the overview and scrutiny meeting in Robertsrbridge, given that it is such an important issue.

We have to look at what is best for the residents of Rother.

"We felt Option 5 was too close to the status quo and as such not sustainable.

"The level of service to people in Rother is of paramount importance - it has to be that way."

Rother's Cabinet is made up of Carl Maynard (Westfield), Joyce Hughes (Bexhill), Ian Jenkins (Etchingham), Jonathan Johnson (Brede), Roger Patten (Pett) and Deirdre Williams (Bexhill).

The final decision will be made by the PCT later this year after it has considered all the points raised in the consultation.