PLANS for changes at Tiverton Hospital's maternity unit are rousing strong emotions, and the health trust which runs it is not helping the situation.

The hospital has an excellent maternity unit, much appreciated by mums since it opened.

They have been able to give birth there, so long as there were no complications, and have been able to spend a few days in the unit following the birth, if needed.

A team of midwives looked after them and also did local home visits.

Last year normal service was suddenly suspended. The Devon Primary Care Trust said the reduced service was a temporary measure caused by staff shortages, with no implications for the future.

Before the temporary closure period had even ended, the trust said it was reviewing 'service options' at the unit and lead matron Andrea Toman was suddenly extolling the virtues of the reduced service, as if it was an improvement.

I wrote a column at that point, February 2009, concerned something was afoot, criticising the trust for not communicating well with the public.

Now, a year on, the unit is out of action again, and the trust has revealed that management of Tiverton's maternity services will be transferred to the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital; Tiverton's midwives will become part of a large team operating from Exeter; and mums will no longer be able to stay at Tiverton Hospital after giving birth.

This is being presented as a positive move.

Comments on a 'save Tiverton Maternity Unit' Facebook site made by women who have given birth in Exeter are largely uncomplimentary about the aftercare they received there.

Many expectant mums are unhappy about these changes, and many are confused and distrustful. Confusion over the options for birthing and post-natal care is surely the last thing a pregnant woman needs.

As far as I can see, the information has arrived in a piecemeal fashion, the plans have been difficult to understand, and the trust has not been open enough to hold a public meeting to hear people's views on them.

Last month the trust's board meeting unveiled a strategy document.

It updated the trust's plans to improve levels of communication with the public and better involve us in its work. How ironic.

This document set out the trust's aims, objectives and priorities in relation to communicating and engaging with the public.

Number one priority was: "Local people know how to access the NHS services they need, and where these services are available."

If it wishes to follow its own advice and make the best of this mess, the Devon Primary Care Trust needs to hold a public meeting about the maternity unit as soon as possible in Tiverton.