Too many babies: Hospitals cap maternity numbers - Cable

12.00.00am GMT Tue 19th Dec 2006

Cllr Andrew Dakers (Lib Dem parliamentary spokesperson for Brentford & Isleworth) shares concerns about the West Middlesex Hospital imposing a cap on the number of maternity cases

The West Middlesex Hospital has joined the list of hospitals imposing a cap on the number of maternity cases which it is able to deal with. Kingston Hospital already imposes a cap. The West Middlesex has said that its numbers (3,700 expected in 2006, after 3,400 in 2005) are beyond its physical and staff capacity to deal with in a safe and satisfactory way.

Vincent Cable (Lib Dem MP for Twickenham) who discussed the decision with Alison McIntosh, the Acting Chief Executive of the Hospital, said:

"The further narrowing of choice will cause inconvenience, and possibly some anxiety, to expectant mothers. It also makes a nonsense of the Government's claims to have introduced patient choice into the NHS. But I do understand the reason why the hospital has to give priority to safe delivery and good post-natal care.

"I was assured furthermore that once a local GP has found a hospital there will be continuous anti- and post-natal care without interruption. There are also hospitals somewhat further away - like Queen Charlotte's where my grandson was born a few weeks ago - which I believe have capacity."