I MUST write in support of my colleague from the children's unit at Fairfield who has voiced not only her views but those of many of the staff.

We have been warned against speaking out with regards to the proposed changes in women's and children's services and supporting any campaigns. Why? Could management answer this question seriously and stop denying it has happened.

As a paediatric nurse and a mother I am appalled that the Pennine Acute NHS Trust is trying to remove children's inpatient medical services from the Bury area, thus putting more strain on parents and families at an already stressful time. Is it difficult enough when you have a sick child in hospital, and have to juggle work commitments and see to the family, without then having to travel to other towns for necessary medical care.

Reluctance for change is not the issue here. Most people accept that improvement is needed in the provision of healthcare but removing maternity, neonatal and children's services from our town is not beneficial for anyone in Bury.

I hope that more nursing staff follow the example set by Dr Hany, the Fairfield Baby Lifeline charity and staff from SCBU in fighting these ludicrous proposals and supporting the people of Bury in their battle with the pen-pushing bureaucrats from the Pennine Acute NHS Trust.

CHILDREN'S NURSE