PARENTS have come out in support of Crewe's Leighton Hospital’s under-threat maternity unit.

Earlier this month, the Guardian revealed the purpose-built midwifery-led unit was under threat after NHS bosses revealed the unit was not ‘sustainable’ due to declining births.

Vicki-Anne Boardman, 28, from Northwich, suffered a number of complications during labour, resulting in a C section.

She said: “Throughout the whole procedure despite being utterly shattered all the staff were amazing.

“Everything that could possibly go wrong did go wrong, but I felt as though the staff were very attentive and friendly.”

First-time mum Tara Pickstock, 25, from Barnton, described the level of care she received at Leighton Hospital's maternity unit as ‘perfect’.

Claire Murphy, 28, a relief ward clerk at Leighton Hospital, had planned to use a rival midwife service, One to One Midwives.

She explained: “I chose to book with One to One as I strongly agree women should have the education and choices that One to One give and also the continuity of care.”

Her plans were scuppered after going into labour prematurely, but baby Ellis was delivered safe and well by Leighton Hospital's midwives.

She added: “I certainly didn't feel like a 'conveyor belt' delivery and they did what was needed.”

However, not everyone has fond memories of their time in the unit.

Georgia Brannan, 18, from Winsford, said: “I was telling them I was in pain from seven in the morning and it was only until five in the evening they induced me.

“After giving me just paracetamol all day they then found out I was 8cm dilated and was in full labour.”

On the whole, support for the unit has been largely positive, though there are clearly areas that can improve.

Edward Timpson, Conservative MP for Crewe and Nantwich, says ‘robust plans’ are in place to ensure the future of the unit is secured.

He said: "I'm reassured both from meetings with the Trust and their own statements that they have robust plans in place to ensure the continuation of maternity provision that has served me and many thousands of other local parents and their babies so well over the years."