Re: Mum in labour told to walk home
 

I doubt that we have a 'massive fleet' of ambulances, not with all the cutbacks the NHS haS suffered.

Re: Mum in labour told to walk home
 

We don't.

That's why I said we'd need a massive fleet of ambulances if people were going to use them as cabs.

Re: Mum in labour told to walk home
 

Fairfield Labour Ward closes at the drop of a hat and often divert their women to other units. East Lancs sees their fair share of the women who are supposed to be delivering at Fairfield. If they are not careful at Fairfield, they will end up closing for good, as the Government will say that if they can close as often as they do, they don't need the service.:rolleyes:

Re: Mum in labour told to walk home
 

Isn't that just the case?

Why do they close so often?

Re: Mum in labour told to walk home
 

As far as I know it is a staffing issue, not enough midwives to look after the women. East Lancs are usually alerted when Fairfield close because we get their women coming to Blackburn or Burnley, sometimes unexpectedly:rolleyes:. Blackburn and Burnley only ever close when they are full to capacity and never both close at the same time. Because they are one Trust now, patients can be transferred to the one which is open. When you book to have a baby now in this area, you book at East Lancs so may use either hospital, although we will always try to accommodate you at the hospital of your choice.