Barker accuses Foster of mistake over Conquest

Mr Barker, Conservative shadow environment minister, made his comments about Labour MP Michael Foster at a meeting with 'Hands Off The Conquest' chairman Margaret Williams at the De La Warr Pavilion on Monday.

The decision on the future of maternity services in the area due is to be made in November.

The local Primary Care Trust (PCT) has proposed four options for 'modernising' local hospitals.

All involve losing the consultant-led maternity unit from either Hastings or Eastbourne.

It means expectant mums could face a journey of more than an hour for specialist treatment.

The 'Hands Off The Conquest' campaign have put forward a fifth proposal ('Option Five'), which they say is the only safe choice for this area.

Their proposal would see both hospitals would retain a specialist maternity unit.

Mr Foster has spoken out strongly on the benefits of option four recently - replacing Eastbourne's maternity unit with a 'midwife birthing centre' and creating a special care baby unit at Hastings - though he has previously said he would back option five until it is, "found to be completely impossible."

Mr Barker confirmed he will remain committed to saving both maternity units.

He said: "Michael Foster has come out behind option four, closing the Eastbourne unit, and I think that is the game the Government thinks we are all going to play, pitting us against each other.

"I think it is absolutely vital Eastbourne AND Hastings stand shoulder to shoulder and don't let the Government and those at the PCT who want to close one come between us.

"I have come to reaffirm my whole hearted backing for option five which is the option of keeping consultant led maternity units at the Conquest and Eastbourne. It is incredibly important for the Bexhill area. Some members in my constituency in the west will want to go to Eastbourne and others will want to go to the Conquest."

Margaret Williams said: "It beggars belief. To keep two consultant led maternity units is so vital. Babies will die otherwise."