PLEASE allow me to add my voice to the thousands of others who feel the maternity unit must be kept as part of Devizes Hospital.

Nothing can better the one to one relationship between mother and midwife. There are times when medical intervention is essential, that is when specialist baby units are so important. At all other times childbirth should be a joyous occasion.

Pregnancy is not an illness and all mothers should be able to enjoy the experience of learning how to breastfeed and care for their babies in a calm and happy environment.

They should be given the opportunity and choice of where they will be delivered. They should neither be swayed by politics nor influenced by what happens on television.

My four sons were born with only a midwife in attendance. With my first baby, had I been any distance from a hospital he would have been delivered by the side of the road on a wild and wet December night.

Two of his brothers were born in hospital and my youngest son at home. That was the best with a midwife who was my friend and stayed with me from onset of labour until she had settled mother, baby and husband! He was born, as were all my sons, during the night, and that is another reason for natural childbirth to happen as close to home as possible.

The ante and post natal care in all cases should have continuity it builds trust and confidence, which is essential in first-time mothers.

It is most important though is to let mothers know they do have a choice.

JENNIFER HARRISON

Roundway Gardens

Devizes

Letter sent to Kennet and District Primary Care Trust and copied to Michael Ancram MP.