Plans to shut the maternity unit in Malmesbury will seriously limit choice for pregnant women in Swindon.

It will mean that we will no longer have access to a small midwife-led maternity unit for delivering our babies.

I was lucky enough for my son to be born there three years ago. The atmosphere was very supportive and meant that, not only did I have a natural birth, but I also got off to a really good start with my son.

Malmesbury has provided friendly, one-to-one care to thousands of women, both in labour and also to those recovering from surgery in large hospitals. The benefits to families are immeasurable.

I have recently found out that Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust, which plans to close the unit, automatically receives money from the government for the maternity care of the Swindon women who use Malmesbury. But it seems they would prefer to ignore us, and in their recent estimate of potential demand at Malmesbury they did just that. They didn't count any women from Swindon in their figures, despite the fact that a fifth of women who have babies in Malmesbury come from Swindon.

I am appalled at how recklessly these Primary Care Trusts are carving up our health services and at how patients' wishes and needs are ignored.

If anyone would like to get involved with our campaign they can find out more at www.savemalmesburymaternityunit.co.uk or contact me on 01793 520903.

S NEWMAN

Old Town