All of us in Salford opposed the decision taken in 2006 to close our excellent maternity unit at Hope Hospital, and transfer services to St Mary’s in Manchester and to Bolton Hospital. This would mean thousands of mums having to travel to have their babies miles from Salford.

Since that time I have been pressing for the provision of a midwife led unit in Salford so that parents can choose to have their babies locally in a high quality, safe and easy to reach service. Over the last year the Primary Care Trust and Salford Royal Trust have been looking at the options. Salford mums have been consulted and 68% (386) said that they would be happy to give birth in a midwife led unit.

I want to make sure Salford families have the widest possible choice about how and where to have their babies - ranging from a home birth, a local midwife led unit in Salford, or a full maternity unit. I will keep you posted on our efforts to get this service.