Maternity services at the Mid-Ulster Hospital, Co Derry, should be closed, according to a panel of professionals set up by the Northern Health Board.
Cookstown councillor Mr Trevor Wilson said yesterday he had received a "leaked" copy of the panel's report, which recommends the maternity unit at the Magherafelt-based hospital be transferred to Antrim Hospital as soon as is practicable. Protesting at the proposed closure, Mr Wilson said it would mean expectant mothers from remote areas of south Derry and east Tyrone having to travel more than 30 miles to have their babies.
