MATERNITY units in parts of the North-East are to be subject to a service review.
The move, which was announced by Northumberland, Tyne and Wear Strategic Health Authority, is likely to lead to the downgrading of some smaller maternity units and the concentration of more problem- atic births at larger hospitals.
The authority said the review had been forced on them by a combination of changes in how health services are delivered and the impending reduction of junior doctors' working hours.
Members of the public are being asked to comment on the future of maternity services in Newcastle, Sunderland, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Northumberland.
Comments have to be submitted by the end of February. A report presenting formal recommendations will be produced early in the New Year.
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