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  Dover Maternity Services were discussed recently at a DDC Scrutiny Committee meeting.
  
  There were lots of information given out and reasons why there is a recommendation to close the Dover and Canterbury birthing units.
  
  DDC is sending a strong recommendation NOT to close Dover's birthing unit.
  
  Some of the reasons are:
  
  1) How it will adversely affect those in areas of greatest deprivation in the district, particularly in respect of low car ownership levels in wards such as St Radigunds who would have the most benefit (if they stay).
  
  2) The problems of poor public transport links to Ashford and Margate from many areas of the district.
  
  3) The impact of Operation Stack on travel by road to Ashford.
  
  4) The potential increase in demand for maternity services as a result of the new homes to be built in the district over the next twenty years.
  
  5) Is it fair to take away the option of local low-risk births in the Dover district while providing such an option to women in Ashford and Thanet.
  
  There is also of course the possibility that while these services are being eroded, they'll never come back and so we will be told that we don't need a hospital for so few services, so we'll end up with no hospital at all, just a cheap health centre.
  
  The consultation is not a forgone conclusion, but if you all stay away, then it will be; go in force, give your reasons and don't stay at home and grumble.
  
  
  
  
  Roger

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