MAIDSTONE DADS AGAINST DOWNGRADING OF MATERNITY SERVICES, CROSS-PARTY ISSUE BECOMES CROSS-GENDER IN SUPPORT OF CAMPAIGN

It’s not just Maidstone mums who are showing deep concern about the downgrading of maternity services at Maidstone Hospital. Many Dads are now joining the fight, and are taking action in support of Helen Grant’s campaign.  Mel and Andrew Streek, owners of Marden based Claygate Distribution, have pledged a string of lorries to join Helen as she starts her pram push this coming Sunday, walking from Maidstone Hospital to Pembury Hospital in protest at the threat to services.  Colin and Darren Goldup of local hauliers Staplehurst Transit are joining the convoy with  more lorries. Expectant father Darren Hoadley is sending one of his Scarab road cleaning trucks as is Ben McGannon’s Water for Work company.  Water driver Des Orchard has six children born at Maidstone, two of whom had complications, and is very passionate about the whole issue.

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All members of the Marden Business Forum, these influential men are not only fathers themselves, but are also some of the biggest employers in the Maidstone area, with the well being of their many employees and familes high on their agendas.  Andrew Streek said “being in the road transport business we all know the treacherous route women in labour with complications would face in an emergency journey to Pembury.  Our people drive it everyday and it is just plain dangerous”.  Colin Goldup said “Part of the route includes the notorious Colt Hill accident blackspot, where the narrow trunk road sees frequent accidents and stationery traffic.  I am pleased to offer assistance to Helen in her fight to highlight this bad decision, which will place mothers’ and babies’ lives at risk.”

The campaign follows a decision by the NHS trust to close the consultant led full maternity facility in Maidstone and replace it with a midwife-run birthing unit in 2011.  The area’s main maternity unit will then be based at the new Pembury Hospital, 17 miles from Maidstone just outside Tunbridge Wells.

The Pram Push route goes via Wateringbury, Nettlestead Green, East Peckham, Paddock Wood, Matfield and Pembury village with a stop off for a picnic lunch at the Hop Farm at around midday. Text ‘NHS’ to 0779 780 1704 to register support by phone and add a space and then your email address to receive updates about the campaign progress.