Council leaders' statements on Alex maternity closure

The leaders of Redditch Borough and Bromsgrove District councils and Stratford-on-Avon District Council have responded to the news that maternity services at Redditch's Alexandra Hospital have been temporarily closed under emergency powers due to not having enough staff to operate safely.

Redditch Borough Council Leader Cllr Bill Hartnett said: “We're very disappointed at the news that people won't be able to go to the Alex to give birth from Thursday. It's not good enough and we're seeking firm commitments from the trust as to when this temporary closure will end. As winter sets in the well-known difficulties people in Redditch face to get to Worcestershire Royal will only get worse."

Stratford District Council Leader Cllr Chris Saint said: “This is very worrying and signals bad news for District residents in Alcester, Studley and the surrounding area, who will now have to travel further afield for maternity services."

Bromsgrove District Council Leader Cllr Margaret Sherrey said: “This latest development is troubling and I hope they will resolve it quickly for everyone's sake. The concern is also that this is a glimpse of what the future holds for Accident and Emergency and our other local services."