Chapel backs the campaign to save Corbar

Chapel-en-le-Frith folk showed their support for the Save Corbar Birth Centre (SCBC) campaign this weekend by adding more than 150 signatures to the petition, which calls upon Derbyshire Primary Care Trust to maintain its services.

On Saturday (July 9^th), SCBC received an overwhelming response to their fight to keep the High Peak’s only midwife led birthing unit open despite plans to shut the centre.

And local businesses in the town also joined the crusade by agreeing to hold copies of the petition in their shops and showrooms for people to sign. Capelli hairdressers, Halls hardware store, In a Pickle deli, Em & Teds and Concept photography all now have petitions.

SCBC member, Claire Rajah who was helping with the petition signing in Chapel said that despite the unseasonably summer weather there had been a fantastic response from people to the campaign.

“During the course of the morning I spoke to dozens of people who felt very strongly that Corbar should remain open. There were many signatures who told me that not only had they given birth at Buxton, their children had chosen to deliver their children at Corbar as well. Testament to the fact that Corbar has, and continues, to provide a vital service to the people of Derbyshire”

Signatures to the petition urge Mark Todd as Chairman and David Sharp as Chief Executive of NHS Derbyshire County to retain and promote the Corbar Birth Centre in Buxton as it is a vital facility for families in the High Peak especially given the challenges presented to the area through rurality, climate and road links.

Following NHS Derbyshire County and NHS Derby City’s announcement in late May (2011) to review Corbar Birth Centre operations, a pre-engagement process was declared. SCBC’s petition will be presented to Derbyshire PRC in August, when the formal engagement period will take run until October 21st. A final decision about Corbar’s future is due in November.

For more information about SCBC or to request a copy of the petition, email savecorbarbirthcentre@yahoo.co.uk.

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Photo caption: Save Corbar Birth Centre collects signatures in Chapel. From back right, Fiona Lichfield, Claire Rajah, Jo Pebbles, Julie Parker and Mandy Berriman joined by youngsters (from right) Constance Rajah, Thomas Pebbles and James Pebbles.

For more information and/or to request imagery and interviews, please contact Fiona Lichfield on 07795431627.