TRAGICALLY, following Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust's decision to build a new miniature hospital that is too small for Swindon, there is now another blow to health care in the area.

Malmesbury Hospital is threatened with closure, along with its excellent maternity unit.

Although most Swindon mothers chose PMH or now GWH, a small but significant number every year travel to Malmesbury to give birth because their midwife led unit specialises in natural birth techniques.

My own wife, Sarah, had a lovely experience there nearly three years ago when our son was born, and it would be tragic if other parents were denied this option.

Every expecting mother should have the right to choose a birth plan that suits their individual needs and the needs of their baby.

Yet again these cuts are the fault of New Labour's inefficient obsession with profitability.

When Kennet and North Wilts Health trust was established it had an £11 million debt from day one, and is being forced to cut services by the government to balance the books. Does anyone remember how back in 1997 New Labour used to play the song "Things can only get better"? What happened to that?

ANDY NEWMAN

Socialist Alliance Candidate for Gorse Hill & Pinehurst