A DECISION over the future of Inverclyde Royal Hospital’s birthing unit has been delayed by the general election.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board was due to meet on Tuesday to discuss this and other issues, but the meeting has been postponed until June 15.

A spokeswoman said: “This follows the calling of a general election, and is in keeping with national election guidance on agenda items to be considered at board meetings during an election period.

“The meeting was scheduled to include items on the outcome of consultation on proposed service changes, which will now be considered at the June meeting, following the general election.”

The health board want to shut IRH’s midwife-led birthing unit to save money, and to send Inverclyde women to Paisley or Glasgow to give birth.

A decision to close it would have to be ratified by Scottish Government health secretary Shona Robison.

A board spokeswoman said: “We are not proposing to close the Inverclyde Community Maternity Unit. All ante-natal and post-natal services will remain and continue to be provided. 

“The proposed change is to transfer midwife-led birthing services from the Inverclyde Community Maternity Unit to the Community Maternity Unit, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley.

“Women will continue to have the option of having a home birth.”

Campaigners have vigorously opposed the closure, and more than 7,000 people have signed a petition calling for the unit to be kept open.

The protest was boosted earlier this year by the 
publication of a report commissioned by the Scottish Government.

‘The Best Start: A Five-Year Forward Plan for Maternity and Neonatal Care in Scotland’ supports giving women a choice of where to give birth, including at local midwife units.

The report says they are safe for healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies.

The review was carried out by representatives from key professional bodies, the Scottish Government, staff organisations and academics working in maternal and infant health.

It said: “Studies have demonstrated that midwifery care settings including home birth, ‘freestanding’ midwifery units and ‘alongside’ midwifery units attached to a hospital are a safe option for the majority of healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies.

“Team systems should be implemented that support the provision of community-based maternity care.

“Care should be delivered in appropriate community settings.”