by Graham Tutthillgtutthill@thekmgroup.co.uk

Women will not be able to have their babies delivered at the birthing centre at Buckland Hospital in future if proposals by health bosses are approved.

A report is being presented to members of the Kent Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Friday following a review of maternity services in east Kent.

Several options are being put forward, but the recommendation is that both the Dover and Canterbury birthing centres would no longer be available for births, although antenatal and postnatal services would still be provided.

And while the health authorities say they want to make sure they provide “safe and high quality” care, financial costs are also a factor.

The number of births at Dover Birthing Centre has fallen from 433 to 217 over the past five years.

By closing the Dover and Canterbury centres, and moving the midwifery staff to Ashford, the authorities expect to improve the ratio of midwives to patients.

Day care services and parent education classes would continue to be held at the Buckland Birthing Centre, together with one joint consultant clinic.

Keep up-to-date with news via the Dover MercuryFacebookpage andTwitter.