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<p>Between May 2010 and November 2014, the number of midwives in England rose by 2,231
or 11.1% and the number of midwives in the East of England area rose by 380 or 20.5%.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The provision of local health services is a matter for local
National Health Service organisations. NHS North East Essex Clinical Commissioning
Group (CCG), in collaboration with Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust,
undertook a public consultation on the provision of maternity services locally, including
the maternity unit at Clacton Hospital, from 15 October to 10 December 2014.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The purpose of the consultation, called <em>Right Start</em>,
is to improve upon the good care already provided and deliver services that are safe,
clinically effective and provide a good patient experience. An independently chaired
panel will meet on 27 February 2015 to receive the consultation analysis report and
make a recommendation to the CCG and Trust boards. Whatever outcome is reached, the
CCG and Trust aim to ensure women have a choice of where to have their babies.</p><p>
</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>All NHS service changes should be led by clinicians and be
in the best interests of patients, not driven from the top down. The Government has
set out strengthened criteria that we expect any significant changes to NHS services
to meet. Proposals should demonstrate support from clinical commissioners, strengthened
public and patient engagement, clarity on the clinical evidence base and support for
patient choice.</p><p> </p>
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