THE prospect of Leighton Hospital losing its maternity services seems a little far fetched.

One To One Midwives is offering an alternative to the NHS, regarding pre-natal and at home delivery services.

The challenge for maternity services is that most pregnancies are straightforward and spotting the few that are not is far from easy and should not be influenced by financial considerations.

Competition within the health service sector is always going to raise questions about safety and viability of existing services.

Home births are becoming more popular and One To One is presumably responding to this demand.

My concern is that if a cost is involved, the transfer of some pregnant mothers to hospital might be delayed with unfortunate consequences.

Dr Peter Hirst Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Congleton