I AM writing this letter in total disbelief at the barbaric proposal to close the special care baby unit, children's wards and maternity services at Fairfield General Hospital.

Fairfield is a number one hospital when it comes to services offered and the care received.

I had my first daughter at Fairfield in 1994. Being my first, I didn't know what would happen and was frightened. My pregnancy was straightforward, but when I went into labour my blood pressure shot through the roof and had to be monitored closely. However, the staff on the delivery suite and the wards were brilliant and made my experience of having my daughter the best ever.

In 1995, I had a miscarriage at 11-weeks. It was an upsetting time and again the staff at the hospital were kind and helpful.

When my daughter was two years old she started having febrile convulsions and was admitted to the children's ward on several occasions. The help and support from the doctors and nurses couldn't have been better.

When I fell pregnant for the third time I was nervous and frightened until I passed 12 weeks because of my previous miscarriage but, again, the doctors and midwives helped me. Eventually, at 32 weeks, I had to have my baby by Caesarean section and my second daughter had to be cared for in the special care baby unit. My baby spent three weeks in special care and was lucky to survive.

The work the staff and doctors do for these sick babies is outstanding, as well as the support they give distressed parents. I have needed - and used - all the services that these proposals intend to take away. If they hadn't been there, my children and myself would not have survived.

I urge the powers-that-be to stop these proposals to take away our services and, instead, to actually provide more.

J. CUNLIFFE (Mrs),

Windermere Drive,

Ramsbottom